EMPOWER
High School Internship Program & Professional Development Workshops
Empower programs provide high schoolers with the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams in life beyond high school. As our youth develop and grow through their experiences at Coombs, our goal is to continue to provide programming that prepares them for life outside of school. With a focus on leadership development, confidence building, communication, and life skills, Coombs participants are encouraged to work hard, lead, and give back.
Internship Program
Outdoor Industry Jobs for High Schoolers
Our Empower internship program connects high school participants with paid job opportunities at local businesses and organizations in the outdoor industry. Each participant develops professional and leadership skills through structured training, on-the-job experience, and dedicated mentorship from partner employers and Coombs Outdoors staff. With positions ranging from bike technicians to outdoor clothing design, this program provides a chance for participants to engage with the local community and explore outdoor career opportunities.
2023 Summer Internship Placements
Coombs Outdoors
Wheel Wranglers
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort
Stio
Jackson Hole Land Trust
Hole Food Rescue
Trout Unlimited
Slow Food in the Tetons
REI Co-op
Spring Break College Visits
For spring break, Coombs high school students travel to regional colleges with Coombs staff. The group spends a week exploring options for college, learning about resources for Wyoming residents and first generation students, and, of course, having a fun adventure with friends.
Outdoor Programs
High school participants are welcome to join in our Engage outdoor recreation programs throughout the year, including Coombs Club, Climbing Club, Mountain Bike Club, and backpacking trips.
Meet Dania
Dania, 16, understands the importance of representation in the ski world. Dania was part of our Empower internship program this winter. She was one of 6 Empower interns working at Snow King Mountain and received her Jr. PSIA certification. Dania plans to return to the internship program in future seasons because she had so much fun and learned a diverse range of skills.
“Having a Jr. PSIA certification makes me feel proud. When I started skiing, none of my instructors spoke Spanish. I see how many Latinx people are in learn-to-ski programs, and none of the other instructors speak Spanish. I am proud to be an instructor for Spanish speaking participants because I can offer them something I never had”
- Dania, Empower Intern