Summer Internship Teaches, Pays

In one of West Sacramento's summer programs, mentors are crucial in keeping students engagedthroughout the season. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

WEST SACRAMENTO,CA (MPG) - Some summer fun is unexpected.

Take a workinginternship, for example, where you get paid to gain experience in localgovernment. The relaunch of the West Sacramento Summer STEPS Internship makesthis possible.

Last utilized in2019, the program started in 2015 and has helped many young adults find theircalling. Public information officer Paul Hosley said nearly 20 young minds aresoaking up everything in West Sacramento this season.

"Eighteencollege interns have been divided among the different departments to learn about the city through guided tours, workshops and information sessions,"Hosley said.

For the eight-weekcommitment position, interns must be enrolled in an accredited college or university.

Additionally,applicants must have a relevant academic major or interest in public service and demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills.

Meeting allmandates offers entrance into the eight-week intensive program from June to August. According to the program description, it requires up to 30 hours a weekof "unparalleled exposure to the inner workings of cityadministration."

Additionally, ifaccepted, interns can become "actively involved in meaningful projects that align with their academic majors, making tangible contributions to our community."

The Summer STEPSInternship Program promises a peek into public service for college students interested in public service. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento

The internshipoffers successful applicants a salary ranging from $18 to $21 an hour, makingthe opportunity financially and educationally prosperous.

As an informationofficer, Hosley said, he sees first-hand how "the eight-week internshipgives students positive examples of public service, hands-on experience and insights about city government operations."

The Economic Development Department still has a listing for the summer program, noting therole allows hands-on learning "in various department projects and initiatives that contribute to the economic growth and prosperity of ourcity."

Speaking ofprosperity, the Home Run Internship Program, another city summer plan, kickedoff June 10 at the West Sacramento Community Center with a half-day trainingevent and an intern-supervisor luncheon.

"This City ofWest Sacramento program, which began in 2017, provides paid internships tolocal high school students and recent graduates," Hosley said.

Hosley said cityofficials work with the West Sacramento Chamber of Commerce and the Washington Unified School District to place interns with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, city government and the school district. The interns gainreal-world work experience and mentoring.

"Interns also participate in weekly training focused on durable skills like communication,problem-solving, and collaboration," Hosley said. "This year, 24local employers stepped up to provide this opportunity to 58 young people, ourlargest cohort ever."

The Home Run Internship Program is a collaboration between the city, West Sacramento Chamberof Commerce and the Washington Unified School District, where students arementored over the summer. Photo courtesy of the City of West Sacramento