Santa Cruz City Council Approves AHSC Workforce Development Grant
Paid Internships to Boost Local Talent and Business
In a unanimous vote, the Santa Cruz City Council has approved the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Workforce Development grant, unlocking a transformative opportunity for local youth and businesses. The grant supports a collaborative program between Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST that will fund paid internships—removing one of the biggest barriers for local companies looking to bring in new talent.
Santa Cruz Works (SCW), a nonprofit that connects over 11,000 entrepreneurs, job seekers, and businesses, will lead outreach and internship placement through its established channels, including monthly job skills clinics, career events, and a widely circulated newsletter. With funding from the AHSC grant, SCW will connect Digital NEST interns and other eligible young professionals with more than 400 regional tech companies. Critically, participating companies will have full authority to interview and select their own interns, ensuring a tailored fit for their team and goals.
Digital NEST, founded in 2014, is a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the digital divide in underserved agricultural communities across California. Through its bizzNEST Internship Program, it offers free access to mentorship, training, and tech-focused career pathways. The AHSC grant will supercharge this mission—allowing youth to gain real-world experience while staying rooted in their local communities.
“This grant is a win-win for our community,” said Bonnie Lipscomb, Director of Economic Development and Housing for the City of Santa Cruz. “It levels the playing field for residents who have faced systemic barriers to employment, while also eliminating cost concerns for businesses that want to mentor and grow local talent. It’s a smart, sustainable investment in the future of our economy.”
By funding paid internships, the AHSC program removes a longstanding hurdle that prevents many businesses—especially startups and small companies—from offering training opportunities. The result is a more inclusive tech ecosystem, stronger local companies, and a better-connected, better-prepared workforce.
Local companies interested in hosting a paid intern through this program are encouraged to fill out this form: bit.ly/iopsantacruz
Together, the City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Works, and Digital NEST are building a powerful model of community-driven workforce development—one that creates opportunities where they’re needed most.
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