Santa Cruz Partnership Creates Paid Internship Program for Underserved Youth Through State Grant

The collaboration between Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST is providing valuable workforce development opportunities for young adults through the AHSC 2025–26 Internship Opportunity Program. Funded by the City of Santa Cruz through the California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities grant, the program supports paid internships for underserved youth and local businesses, strengthening both career pathways and the regional economy.

The AHSC grant—part of California’s effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—promotes healthier communities by linking affordable housing with sustainable transportation and equitable economic opportunity. This new internship program advances that mission by connecting local talent to local jobs, reducing commute distances, and fostering a more resilient economy. Through the program, ten local businesses have welcomed interns for six-month, paid positions. Each participating company receives up to $10,000 in grant funding to compensate their interns—lowering financial barriers for small businesses and startups eager to mentor emerging talent.

Santa Cruz Works recruits participating companies, while Digital NEST handles intern recruiting, training, and case management. Many interns come from bizzNEST, Digital NEST’s youth-powered creative agency, where participants gain paid experience in digital marketing, software development, and design through real client projects. Bonnie Lipscomb, Director of Economic Development and Housing for the City of Santa Cruz, emphasized the program’s impact, stating, "This grant is a game-changer for our community. It levels the playing field for residents who have faced systemic barriers to employment, while also eliminating cost concerns for businesses that want to mentor and grow local talent."

Cathy Wright, VP of Partnerships & Innovation at Digital NEST, highlighted the effectiveness of the approach, noting, "The earn-and-learn model is a proven solution to youth employment challenges. By providing paid experience, mentorship, and credentials right in their own communities, we’re preparing young people for wealth-building careers and a more equitable future." Malina Long, Business Development and Programs Manager at Santa Cruz Works, added, "We’re thrilled by the talent and energy these interns are bringing to local companies. Their impact will ripple across our community for years to come."

Participating companies and their interns include Climatize with Julian Guerrero as Video Production Intern, Nurbli with Yuliana Morales-Galvan as Software & Development Intern, X Academy with Fernanda Jordan as Marketing Intern, Mission Hill Creamery with Julian Cabadas as Marketing Intern, Siena House with Elsa Tamayo as Marketing Intern, Go Ask Alice with Melanie Kate as Social Media Marketing Intern, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery with Edgar Robledo-Salgado as Video/Digital Storytelling Intern, Innovation Within with Jared Esquivel as UX Contractor, Clean Oceans International with Emily Ramirez as Social Media & Outreach Intern, and Senior Legal Services with Katherine Sarna as Communications Intern. The partnership between Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST represents a model for community-driven workforce development—one that strengthens local companies, diversifies the talent pipeline, and ensures the next generation can build meaningful, sustainable careers in Santa Cruz County.