Paid local internships

AHSC Internship Opportunity Program

Gain paid, hands-on experience with Santa Cruz County organizations. These opportunities are designed for local young adults across technology, nonprofits, media, sustainability, and more.

Your internship is funded by Santa Cruz Works and the City of Santa Cruz. Host organizations provide the hands-on experience and mentorship, not the funding for your wages.

Who is eligible?

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to young adults who live in underserved communities in Santa Cruz County, as defined by the AHSC Internship Opportunity Program, including areas such as Beach Flats, Lower Ocean, Live Oak, and Watsonville.

Current internship opportunities

Search by organization or role, or filter opportunities by industry.

What past interns gained

Previous AHSC interns built practical skills while contributing to real Santa Cruz County organizations.

Emily learned how strong digital storytelling can build community support and inspire people to take action.

Emily Ramirez Social Media & Outreach Intern · Clean Oceans International

Elsa gained hands-on communications experience and saw how thoughtful messaging can connect people to a cause.

Elsa Tamayo Marketing & Communications Intern · Siena House

Julian created social content while learning the day-to-day strategy behind growing a local business online.

Julian Cabadas Social Media Marketing Intern · Mission Hill