Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Launches Summer Intern Program

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County has initiated a recruitment drive for businesses and nonprofit organizations to serve as internship sites for its Summer Jobs Program, aimed at supporting local teenagers. This program offers supervised summer internships to approximately 300 adolescents aged 15 to 18, who are currently engaged in workforce readiness training from February to May 2026.

Empowering Local Youth Through Career Launch

The Career Launch curriculum, which forms the backbone of this initiative, provides teens with essential skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking. This comprehensive job-readiness program prepares young individuals for the realities of the workplace and equips them with tools necessary for future employment. Following their training, selected high school students will undergo interviews, with the top 50 candidates chosen as Summer Interns.

These interns will have the opportunity to work alongside local employers, assisting with daily tasks while gaining invaluable experience in entry-level positions. Currently, the organization is actively seeking employers willing to offer mentorship and hands-on experience in various fields.

The benefits for participating businesses are significant. Each intern will work for 16 hours per week, from June 8 to July 9, 2026, over the course of five weeks. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County will cover all costs associated with the interns, including salary, workers’ compensation insurance, payroll processing, and taxes. As the official employer, the organization ensures that all interns are pre-screened and documented as eligible to work in the United States, streamlining the hiring process.

Comprehensive Training for Interns

Before starting their positions, interns will undergo 10 weeks of basic pre-employment training, which includes youth employee onboarding and CPR/First Aid/AED certification. This extensive training ensures that participants are work-ready and equipped to meet the demands of their roles.

With the consent of participating businesses, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County will promote these organizations in all media releases associated with the project, thereby enhancing their visibility within the Bakersfield community.

The Summer Jobs Program not only provides crucial job training for youth but also supports the broader business community in Kern County. For further details about the BGCKC Workforce Readiness Program, interested parties can contact Monica Gonzalez at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County by calling 661-325-3730 ext. 245 or emailing [email protected].

This initiative represents a significant investment in the future of local youth, fostering skills and connections that will benefit both individuals and the community as a whole.