The Summer Jobs 253 program kicks off on July 1, with 200 students attending a week of employment training before starting their summer internships on July 5.

Launched in 2013, the program partners with Tacoma and surrounding area employers to place incoming Tacoma high school juniors and seniors in internships for up to 96 hours of paid work experience during the summer.

“Summer Jobs 253 is so much more than an internship. It has received national recognition because it provides paid work experience, professional skills development and financial literacy training,” said Mayor Marilyn Strickland. As part of the program, students receive training in workplace etiquette, resume writing, interviewing, and financially literacy skills. They can also earn up to two high school credits in addition to the work experience employers provide.

This year, the program has expanded its educational offerings to include access to the Microsoft Academy, community college classes and an expanded summer school class listing.

For more information about the program, including how to participate or to become a patron, visit summerjobs253.com.

Planning Commission seeks applicants

The Tacoma City Council is looking to fill one three-year term on the Planning Commission – the Architecture, Historic Preservation, and/or Urban Design position.

The Planning Commission develops and updates the Comprehensive Plan and its elements; formulates effective and efficient land use and development regulations and processes that implement the Comprehensive Plan. This commission also reviews various planning issues, such as area-wide zoning reclassifications, moratoria, interim zoning, pre-annexation planning, historic district designation, urban design, and transportation and capital facilities programs.

The Planning Commission consists of nine members appointed by the City Council for three-year terms.  All members must be residents of Tacoma. Commission meetings occur the first and third Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m.

Applications must be submitted to the City Clerk’s Office by Wednesday, July 13. To apply, visit cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication or contact Amanda Punsalan at (253) 591-5178, servetacoma@cityoftacoma.org, or the City Clerk’s Office, Room 11, Tacoma Municipal Building North, 733 Market Street, Tacoma, WA 98402.

– City of Tacoma