The BDS interns are two weeks into their school year and they have all reported back letting me know they are doing great, they miss us and to thank the bureau for the great opportunity.

The students contributed to the completion of various projects in the different sections and provided us with a fresh and new outlook on the bureau’s business practices. Their number one concern was the enormous amounts of paper the bureau uses. The students suggested scanning public document requests and emailing them to customers instead of faxing them, which would reduce the amount of paper used. This idea is great and it is in line with the bureau’s efforts to have a more sustainable operation.

In the course of the seven-week program, the bureau staff and the students worked together to provide a great work experience and to successfully complete the bureau’s business.

On our last day together, Diversity & Relations Manager, Mikal Shabazz interviewed Director Paul Scarlett, the students and me on the success of the program. This footage and the student debate footage can be seen below.

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Interview Students Video

Students at Portland City Council

On behalf of the bureau and the Customer Service team thank you for all of your support.

For more information on the Summer Internship Program, contact Outreach Program Coordinator Tiffani Penson @ (503) 823-1109 or tiffani.penson@ci.portland.or.us