Stockton, CA – The San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors has approved a plan to launch a countywide high school internship program following the successful completion of a pilot effort this summer. This initiative, brought forward and led by Supervisor Robert Rickman with the assistance of the County’s Human Resources Department in partnership with local nonprofit San Joaquin A+, placed four Tracy high school students in paid internships with the Public Defender’s Office.
“Giving our youth a chance to learn, grow, and contribute to their community is one of the most important investments we can make,” said Board Chair Paul Canepa. “We are proud to expand the County’s internship program to include high school students, showing them the value of public service and the real career opportunities available right here at home.”
During the six-week program, students gained valuable exposure to public service careers and developed professional skills in a structured, supportive environment. The pilot highlighted how meaningful, skill-building experiences can prepare students for future career success while introducing them to the inner workings of local government.
“I have long pushed for an internship program for our high students after speaking with numerous students expressing their interest. I have personally found internship opportunities to be integral in preparing our future workforce and allowing students to experience different fields of work as they map out careers. I appreciate the efforts of our county staff to make this program a reality, it will pay dividends for our students and our local employers,” stated Supervisor Robert Rickman.
San Joaquin A+, the program partner, will continue to handle hiring and payroll for student interns. Under the expanded plan, each department participating in the summer program will pay approximately $1,000 per student intern, with the other half of the program cost covered by San Joaquin A+.
The County’s new high school internship program will provide students across San Joaquin County with the opportunity to build real-world experience in departments that traditionally have not offered internships.
Implementation of the expanded program will begin immediately under the direction of the Human Resources Department.
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