Empowering Santa Cruz Youth: A New Era of Workforce Development
David McInnisSanta Cruz Works and Digital NEST collaborate to launch the AHSC 2025–26 Internship Opportunity Program, offering paid work experiences to underserved youth and bolstering the local economy. This initiative, funded by the AHSC grant, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while fostering sustainable and equitable economic growth.
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TLDRQuick Summary for Different Perspectives
- The AHSC-backed initiative gives businesses a competitive edge by financially supporting intern salaries, making it easier to invest in future talent.
- Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST partner to provide paid internships through AHSC funding, focusing on underserved youth and local businesses to foster economic growth.
- This initiative promotes economic justice and community health by offering underserved youth paid internships, reducing commute times, and supporting sustainable local economies.
- Ten local businesses now have new faces around, thanks to an innovative program turning Santa Cruz into a hub for young, talented interns.
The Pioneering Partnership: Santa Cruz Works & Digital NEST
In a groundbreaking move, Santa Cruz Works, a beacon of innovation in Santa Cruz County, alongside Digital NEST, a champion for the economic justice of underserved California youth, have escalated their collaboration. Their joint venture, the AHSC 2025–26 Internship Opportunity Program, stands as a testament to their commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent. This initiative is not merely a program; it is a transformative platform that offers paid internships, thereby invigorating both career pathways and the regional economy simultaneously.
Funding Future Innovators
The City of Santa Cruz, through the California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) grant, has allocated funds to support this pivotal program. The AHSC grant, a cornerstone of California's strategy to diminish greenhouse gas emissions, promotes the development of healthier communities. It achieves this by integrating affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and equitable economic opportunities. The internship program propels this mission forward by seamlessly connecting local talent with local jobs, thereby reducing commute distances and fostering a resilient economy.
Subsidizing Success
The program provides a beacon of hope for ten local businesses, offering them the opportunity to host interns for six-month, paid positions. Each participating company receives up to $10,000 in grant funding to compensate their interns. This significant financial incentive lowers the barriers for small businesses and startups, enabling them to mentor emerging talent without the burden of additional costs. Santa Cruz Works spearheads the recruitment of companies, while Digital NEST takes charge of intern recruitment, training, and case management. This synergistic approach ensures that many interns, especially those from bizzNEST—Digital NEST’s youth-powered creative agency—gain invaluable paid experience in fields such as digital marketing, software development, and design through real client projects.
Voices of Visionaries
Bonnie Lipscomb, the Director of Economic Development and Housing for the City of Santa Cruz, heralds this grant as a monumental leap towards equality. It not only levels the playing field for residents who have faced systemic barriers to employment but also alleviates cost concerns for businesses eager to nurture local talent. Cathy Wright, VP of Partnerships & Innovation at Digital NEST, emphasizes the 'earn-and-learn' model as a proven solution to youth employment challenges. By offering paid experience, mentorship, and credentials within their communities, they lay the groundwork for wealth-building careers and a more equitable future. Malina Long, Business Development and Programs Manager at Santa Cruz Works, lauds the interns for the dynamism and innovation they bring to local companies, signaling a positive impact that will reverberate through the community for years to come.
Participating Companies & Interns: A Snapshot
- Climatize – Julian Guerrero, Video Production Intern
- Nurbli – Yuliana Morales-Galvan, Software & Development Intern
- X Academy – Fernanda Jordan, Marketing Intern
- Mission Hill Creamery – Julian Cabadas, Marketing Intern
- Siena House – Elsa Tamayo, Marketing Intern
- Go Ask Alice – Melanie Kate, Social Media Marketing Intern
- Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery – Edgar Robledo-Salgado, Video/Digital Storytelling Intern
- Innovation Within – Jared Esquivel, UX Contractor
- Clean Oceans International – Emily Ramirez, Social Media & Outreach Intern
- Senior Legal Services – Katherine Sarna, Communications Intern
A Model for Community-Driven Workforce Development
The partnership between Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST epitomizes a model for community-driven workforce development. This collaboration not only strengthens local companies and diversifies the talent pipeline but also ensures that the next generation can build meaningful, sustainable careers right in Santa Cruz County. The initiative underscores the potential of strategic partnerships and targeted support in overcoming systemic barriers and fostering economic vitality.
Learn more about these organizations and their impactful work at Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST.
About David McInnis
David McInnis is the Founder of Newsworthy.ai, a news marketing platform that helps organizations amplify their stories and reach wider audiences. Previously, he founded PRWeb, where he transformed the newswire industry by pioneering distribution strategies in the era of Search. Today, David is once again at the forefront of innovation—this time rewriting the rules for how AI reshapes the news experience.