Registration Now Open for 2026 Teen Internship Informational Webinar

Registration is now open for the 2026 Teen Internship Informational Webinar.  

Learn about and how to apply to be part of the 2026 Teen Internship Program. Selected libraries will receive funding to hire a paid summer teen intern who reflects voices and perspectives within their communities. Interns will design and lead a community-focused Connected Learning Project that highlights and showcases their skills, interests, and experiences. Library mentors will engage with and support teens while also opening career pathways into the field of librarianship. 

"I think the internship was very well-balanced. I assisted other people
through programming but also worked independently on my CLP. 
The program is designed in a very supported and adaptable way that
makes it unique to each intern and mentor." - 2025 Participating Teen Intern    

"Overall, this was a good experience and I’m glad we applied for it.
This experience gave mentors and teens the ability to learn new skills,
explore ideas, and grow."  - 2025 Mentor  

For more information on how your library can apply to become one of the participating libraries in the 2026 Teen Internship Program, register to attend the 10 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2026, webinar. 

In this 2026 Teen Internship Informational Webinar, participants will hear from past library participants to learn about the program’s goals, what is expected of the library, the mentor, and the intern, and how to apply for the program. Up to $2500 in funding is available for each of the Wisconsin public libraries chosen to participate in the program that runs from June 1 to August 31, 2026. This is expected to be a competitive process, and not all applications will be accepted into the program.  

Important Dates:  

January 30, 2026 - Informational Webinar at 10 a.m. 

January 30, 2026 - Application opens at 1 p.m. 

February 13, 2026 - Application deadline at 4 p.m. 

February 20, 2026 - Applicants notified of award status 

The Teen Internship Program is supported by the Institute of Museums and Library Services with Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding and is conditioned upon the availability of government funds which may be limited for any reason including, but not limited to, congressional, legislative, gubernatorial, or administrative action. 

For more information or questions, please reach out to the DPI’s Bureau of Libraries Public Library Consultant Jeni Schomber at jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov.