PVUSD and City of Watsonville Launch 7th Annual Summer in the City Internship Program

Watsonville, CA - Students from six Pajaro Valley high schools are soon to be reviewed for the 20 available spots in the annual "Summer in the City" internship program, a partnership between the City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Unified School District (PVUSD). 

Students are encouraged to apply now, as the application period will close at 5 PM on April 21st. 

Now in its 7th year, this month-long summer program gives incoming juniors and seniors an opportunity to work with city departments, including the Municipal Airport, Parks and Recreation, and the Watsonville Police Department. Working within these and other departments, students will gain career-connected skills, develop interests in leadership and civic matters, and help address real city and community issues, explained Jon Tiffany, Social Studies Department Chair at Aptos High School. Throughout the internship, students will develop and utilize the human skills and professional practices common to most workplaces, he said. 

"The students who participate are also modeling for both their peers and younger students what civic engagement actually looks like,” he added, "and that creates positive impacts for students, the community, and the future." 

Each Summer in the City participant earns a $1,000 stipend, receives 5 Career Technical Education (CTE) elective high school credits, and has an opportunity to earn an important credential, the California State Seal of Civic Engagement, which can enhance applications to colleges or career training programs. 

Watsonville City Manager Tamara Vides praised the program "for giving students the opportunity to learn about their local government and the many ways the City serves the community," she said. "It's an honor to host young leaders again this summer and support them in engaging with the community and advocating for youth participation in local affairs." 

PVUSD Superintendent Dr. Heather Contreras emphasized the importance of the program in fostering student growth, “Summer in the City helps our students see themselves as leaders, solving problems, and contributing to their community.” She added, “By working side-by-side with City staff, students gain hands-on experiences that build confidence and inspire future careers in public service.” 

The internship is open to incoming 2025-26 juniors and seniors from Watsonville High, Aptos High, Pajaro Valley High, New School, Renaissance High, and Diamond Technology Institute. The program will run from June 12 to July 8.

Here is the link to the application form, which must be completed and submitted by 5 p.m. on April 21st. When applying, students will need to submit a copy of their student identification, a letter of recommendation, and a one-page essay addressing one of the questions contained in the application. 

More information: citymanager@watsonville.gov or 831-768-3010.

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Check out our free job fair event Santa Cruz Launchpad on May 21!