GREENFIELD — City of Greenfield has welcomed eight new interns into its Internship Program, with the participants beginning hands-on training and professional experiences across several city departments.
The interns will work in the Police Department, Public Works, Finance, Community Engagement, Information Technology, Economic and Community Development, Recreation Department and Community Science Workshop. The program is currently funded through a grant from California Volunteers–Youth Service Corps.
Greenfield’s Internship Program was created to help young adults gain work experience as they enter the workforce. During the interview process, city officials said applicants often express a similar concern: “I can’t get a job because I don’t have experience, but I can’t gain experience because no one will hire me.”
The city’s Community Engagement team developed the program to provide meaningful, paid work experience while helping participants develop professional skills and workplace readiness.
Since the program began in 2023, 57 interns have participated. With the newest cohort, the program will have served 65 young adults.
According to a City of Greenfield news release, the program is designed to be accessible to young adults regardless of a specific degree or career path.
“It’s more than a resume-building opportunity; it’s a support system,” officials said. “Through intentional mentorship, professional guidance and meaningful workplace experiences, interns are encouraged to recognize their strengths, develop transferable skills, strengthen leadership skills and explore career opportunities they may not have previously considered.”
Training includes interview preparation, financial literacy, local government operations, professional skills development, resume support, mentoring and networking opportunities. The City added that these experiences are intended to provide interns with knowledge, skills and professional connections to help them move toward their career goals.
“The City firmly believes that investing in young adults as they enter the workforce is an investment in the future of our community,” officials said. “Through this program, we hope to provide a meaningful steppingstone that helps local youth gain the experience, skills and professional foundation needed to move closer to their desired career paths.”
