10+ Paid Internships Available for Santa Cruz County Young Adults

Young adults across Santa Cruz County have a new opportunity to earn money, gain professional experience, and launch their careers. Santa Cruz Works, in partnership with Cabrillo College and the City of Santa Cruz, is offering more than 10 paid internship opportunities with local businesses and nonprofit organizations.

The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Internship Opportunity Program is designed for young adults, particularly those living in underserved communities. Participants will gain hands-on experience in fields including technology, marketing, media, sustainability, business operations, and community services.

Unlike unpaid internships that can be financially out of reach for many young people, these positions offer wages, flexible schedules, professional mentorship, and valuable career connections.

Interns will work approximately 10 to 20 hours per week for up to six months, depending on the position. Each participant will work alongside an experienced supervisor, contribute to meaningful projects, and develop practical skills that can lead to future employment.

The program offers several important benefits:

• Paid employment: Earn wages while gaining valuable professional experience.
• Flexible schedules: Work 10 to 20 hours per week, allowing time for school and other commitments.
• Professional mentorship: Receive guidance and feedback from experienced professionals.
• Career development: Build a resume, develop workplace skills, and establish professional connections.
• Local opportunities: Work with businesses and organizations throughout Santa Cruz County.

All internships must conclude by June 1, 2027.

Participating organizations represent a diverse range of industries, offering young adults the chance to explore different career paths while contributing to their community.

Organizations offering internship opportunities include:

• Clean Oceans International
• Coastwoods Real Estate / Legacy Property
• GeoPulse Solutions Inc.
• KRML
• Mission Hill Creamery
• People First of Santa Cruz
• Sarah Marschall Strategy
• Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation
• Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery
• Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center
• Treeswax
• United Way of Santa Cruz County

Positions and responsibilities vary by organization, providing opportunities for students and young adults with different interests, skills, and career goals.

The program is open to young adults 18 years and older who live in underserved communities in Santa Cruz County.

Priority is given to residents of neighborhoods including Beach Flats, Lower Ocean, Live Oak, Watsonville, San Lorenzo Valley, and the Pajaro Valley.

Applicants do not need extensive professional experience. The program is intended to help young people develop the skills, confidence, and connections necessary to enter the workforce.

There is no cost to apply.

The program builds on the success of its first cohort, which placed young adults with local businesses and nonprofits.

Previous participants gained experience in software engineering, marketing, communications, video production, and community outreach.

Yuliana Morales-Galvan, a software engineering intern at Nurbli, helped improve digital tools supporting Indigenous families. Emily Ramirez developed social media and outreach skills at Clean Oceans International, while Elsa Tamayo gained marketing and communications experience at Siena House.

These experiences demonstrate how a paid internship can provide more than a paycheck. Interns build confidence, develop professional relationships, and gain experience that strengthens future job and college applications.

Young adults interested in exploring available positions are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

To view internships and apply:

Visit Santa Cruz Works - Paid Internship Opportunities.

Cabrillo College students may also complete the Student Interest Form linked on the program webpage.

Parents, teachers, counselors, community organizations, and youth mentors are encouraged to share these opportunities with eligible young adults.

The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Internship Opportunity Program is funded through a grant awarded to the City of Santa Cruz. The City has partnered with Santa Cruz Works to create paid employment opportunities that connect young adults from underserved communities with local employers.

Launched in June 2025 in partnership with Digital NEST, the program expanded in its second cohort to include Cabrillo College as a workforce development partner. The initiative supports economic mobility, career readiness, and a stronger local workforce.

Santa Cruz Works is a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening the economic vitality of Santa Cruz County and the greater Monterey Bay region. Through entrepreneurship programs, workforce development, industry partnerships, and community events, Santa Cruz Works connects businesses, educators, innovators, and emerging talent to create economic opportunity. Learn more at www.santacruzworks.org.

Cabrillo College is a leading California community college serving Santa Cruz County and the greater Monterey Bay region. With campuses in Aptos and Watsonville, Cabrillo offers academic programs, career education, associate degrees, certificates, and pathways to four-year universities.

As a major transfer pathway to UC Santa Cruz, Cabrillo plays a vital role in developing the region's workforce. Through hands-on learning, internships, and partnerships with local employers, Cabrillo connects education with real-world career opportunities while supporting economic mobility and regional prosperity. Learn more at www.cabrillo.edu.

Santa Cruz Works
Email: Email Contact
Website: www.santacruzworks.org

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