COUNTLESS POSITIVE STORIES came out of this year’s Sounders TeamWork Internship, and it would be impossible to revisit them all. At each Sounders match, YouthForce interns leapt out of their comfort zones and into an exciting world of work at CenturyLink Field. They worked together in teams, greeted tens of thousands of fans, and played a crucial role in creating an amazing game day experience for Seattle’s soccer fans.

Most interns are already planning new beginnings with jobs or college applications – but while they look forward, we‘d like to look back on this season and all of its successes. Here’s a snapshot of 2018 by the numbers:

Total Youth Served:                  83

Total Intern Hours:                  2,617

Total Intern Earnings:        ~ $39.5K

When asked what having a job has meant to them, many interns talk about how they can now pay for books and tuition, transportation, clothes, food, and helping to support their families. Perhaps more significant, however, is an intangible outcome that most interns mention: a new sense of independence. With a job and all of the growth that comes with it, teens no longer rely on support from others. Whether it’s paying for a movie with friends or interviewing for a new job, this year’s TeamWork Interns can now confidently venture out on their own.

This is what we are all about: creating a supportive environment where young adults can grow through new experiences and cultivate the character and skills they’ll use to find success.

Of course, none of it would be possible without support from our partners at Sounders FC. Thanks to them for their generous contributions and for supporting the community through jobs!