Empowering Santa Cruz Youth: A Leap Towards Sustainable Careers Through Innovative Internships

A Community Thriving on Innovation and Inclusion

Imagine a community where every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to gain real-world work experience in their own backyard. That's exactly what's happening in Santa Cruz, California. Thanks to a powerful partnership between Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST, local youth are getting the chance to dive into the workforce headfirst, armed with support, mentorship, and, most importantly, paid positions that pave the way for future success.

The Heart of the Program: AHSC 2025–26 Internship Opportunity

Funded by the City of Santa Cruz through the California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) grant, this initiative isn't just about creating jobs. It's about building healthier communities by connecting affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and equitable economic opportunities. This holistic approach aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while simultaneously opening doors for local talent to thrive in local jobs.

Through this program, ten local businesses have brought on interns for six-month, paid positions, with each company receiving up to $10,000 in grant funding to compensate their interns. This lowers the financial barriers for small businesses and startups eager to mentor emerging talent and grow the regional economy.

Collaboration at Its Finest: Santa Cruz Works & Digital NEST

The synergy between Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST is a testament to what can be achieved when organizations unite for a common goal. Santa Cruz Works spearheads the recruitment of participating companies, while Digital NEST takes the helm on intern recruiting, training, and case management. Many of these interns hail from bizzNEST, Digital NEST’s youth-powered creative agency, where they've already started honing their skills in digital marketing, software development, and design through real client projects.

Real Impact, Real Stories

• Climatize welcomed Julian Guerrero as a Video Production Intern.
• Nurbli brought on Yuliana Morales-Galvan for Software & Development.
• Fernanda Jordan joined X Academy as a Marketing Intern.
• And the list goes on, with each intern embarking on a journey that promises not just personal growth but also a tangible impact on their host companies and the broader community.

Bonnie Lipscomb, the Director of Economic Development and Housing for the City of Santa Cruz, highlighted the transformative power of this grant, emphasizing its role in leveling the playing field for residents facing systemic employment barriers. Similarly, Cathy Wright, VP of Partnerships & Innovation at Digital NEST, underscored the earn-and-learn model as a proven solution to youth employment challenges, preparing young people for wealth-building careers in their community.

A Model for Future Workforce Development

The partnership between Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST serves as a beacon for community-driven workforce development. It's a model that not only strengthens local companies and diversifies the talent pipeline but also ensures a brighter, more equitable future for the next generation. As Malina Long, Business Development and Programs Manager at Santa Cruz Works, aptly put it, the talent and energy these interns are bringing to local companies will indeed ripple across the community for years to come.

At its core, this initiative is more than just about providing jobs; it's about nurturing hope, fostering growth, and building a resilient, inclusive economy from the ground up. And that's something we can all stand behind.