Choose 180 has helped approximately 4,000 teens and young adults since 2011. All teens who participate in the summer internship program are placed in a school-based diversion program.
BURRIENE, Wash. — A Burien nonprofit is providing teens with vital resources and support to build brighter futures.
This week, the nonprofit Choose 180 is wrapping up its summer internship program, a paid, eight-week summer internship program for young people ages 13-18, where they develop entrepreneurial skills and learn how to start and run a business.
All teens who participate in the summer internship program are participating in Choose 180’s school-based diversion program.
“When I met with them, they were in the office every day, at risk of suspension or expulsion, and now they’re presenting a business plan,” said LaMaria Pope, program manager for Choose 180’s school-based transition and summer programs.
Choose 180 operates several programs within and outside of school hours in several King County schools, including a summer internship program.
During the final week of the internship program, the teens will present their business ideas to King County entrepreneurs.
“My business is a sustainable clothing business,” says Jia, a 16-year-old participant in the program. “It’s called Amphitrite Designs.”
Gia is about to enter her senior year of high school and has been participating in Choose 180 for about two years.
“My freshman year of high school, I was doing really badly,” Jia said. “I was hanging out with the wrong crowd and everything just got worse and worse.”
She said the summer internship program taught her about finance and entrepreneurship, and that Choose 180 also gave back to the community.
“It feels like home here,” Zia said, “and I know I can always contact them if I need anything.”
The program manager for Choose 180’s school-based transition and summer programs said she was once a participant herself.
“I’d been charged with several theft and fraud charges and was just trying to survive,” LaMaria Pope said of her first time participating in Choose 180 about eight years ago.
Pope said resources are often hidden within communities, and she works to connect young people to Choose 180 resources that will help them in the future, just as she was helped by the nonprofit’s programs.
“They gave me a second chance,” Pope said. “I knew I couldn’t drop the ball because I was given a second chance. I had to get up and keep going.”
She said the program provides mentors and resources for teens, holds them accountable and gives them support.
Participants say the support has been life-changing and they hope other teens can experience similar opportunities.
“I hope they find a way out, and this will be their way out,” Zia said.
Choose 180 serves youth ages 13 to 24. Since opening in 2011, the nonprofit has served nearly 4,000 teens and young adults.
