Marin Co. Career Explorer Internships: Applications Underway

MARIN COUNTY, CA – Marin County's Career Explorer Youth Program is beginning its fourth year of teaching vocational skills and offering work experience to youth 16 to 22 years old.

The eight-week summer paid internships are with 13 departments at the County of Marin. The Probation Department, Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Human Resources collaborate to offer the program.

The introductory employment training includes resume writing, interview preparation, public speaking and best practices for completing job applications. Youth learn about cultural competency, bias, generational differences in the workplace, conflict resolution and financial literacy.

Some of the program's past interns have found part-time paid jobs with the county.

"Last year we received more than 120 applications. It's a competitive system, so these young people can learn a lot just by going through the application process," said Luis Luciano, employment development counselor with the Probation Department.

Interns learn what it's like to be in the workforce and are possibly steered toward a particular career, Luciano said.

The interns earn $100 during a two-week orientation period and generally work 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays. Host departments select interns and involve them in projects that work well with their interests and skills.

They then earn between $13.35 and $14.44 per hour.

The program provides opportunities to youth who live in communities and/or are under circumstances that traditionally present barriers to employment. This can include an intern's personal experience with the juvenile justice system, a family member's experience in the juvenile or adult justice system or those who live neighborhoods impacted by crime.

Interns who complete the program are recognized in a graduation ceremony in the Board of Supervisors chamber at the Marin County Civic Center.

The Probation Department uses state grant funds to cover the cost of stipends, work uniforms, food, transportation and supervision. County departments that employ the interns also contribute to the cost of the program.

The application to the program is available online from the Career Explorer Youth Program. The deadline to apply is May 31. The application is online here. Or to learn more about the program or to obtain a printed application, contact Development Counselor Luis Luciano.

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--Bay City News