GREENFIELD — City of Greenfield is now accepting applications for its youth internship program, offering paid training and hands-on experience for local residents ages 18 to 24. The application period runs until April 21.
Since its launch in 2023, the internship program has provided young adults in Greenfield with valuable employment training and exposure to careers in local government. What started with a single intern has now grown into a robust initiative supporting up to eight interns per term.
“This initiative is part of our ongoing effort to support local youth in gaining work experience and professional skills,” said Angela Mejia, community engagement assistant for the City.
The internship program places participants in various city departments, including the Greenfield Fire Department, Police Department, IT, Public Works, Community Development, Community Engagement, Finance, Human Resources, Recreation and the Greenfield Community Science Workshop.
Thanks to a $528,000 grant from California Volunteers Youth Service Corps, awarded through the California Governor’s Office, the City has been able to double its intern capacity. Two additional spots are now available through a partnership with the Greenfield Union School District.
Interns participate in more than 30 hours of classroom-style instruction, covering job interview preparation, financial literacy, soft skills development and an introduction to how local government operates. They also engage in up to 40 hours per week of on-the-job paid training, with mentorship from city staff and guest speakers, including Greenfield City Manager Paul Wood and Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez.
More than 30 interns have completed the four-month program since it began, with many expressing how transformative the experience has been:
- “If I could rate this out of 10, it would easily be a 15/10.” —IT Department Intern;
- “This was the steppingstone that I needed. The hand that I needed.” —GUSD Intern;
- “This program allowed me to grow in every way. I got more self-confident and learned to be more assertive and have a growth mindset. I got to learn and do so much that I never imagined I would do.” —Public Works Department Intern; and
- “My co-workers played a huge role in my experience. They encouraged me, propelled me to new levels … I feel prepared and confident for any position that comes my way.” —Community Engagement Department Intern.
With applications now open, the City of Greenfield encourages all eligible young adults in the community to apply and take advantage of this unique professional development opportunity. To apply, or for more information, visit ci.greenfield.ca.us/523/Internship-Program.
