YouthWorks
Part-time paid internships through YouthWorks offer Berkeley residents valuable work experience, training, professional development and career growth opportunities.
Berkeley residents have the opportunity to be placed into paid, part-time temporary internships with partner organizations or within the City of Berkeley.
This comprehensive program helps participants develop skills in interviewing, resume writing, financial literacy, and employability while connecting with mentors from City government and local organizations. Sign up for the YouthWorks newsletter to receive email updates.
Local organizations and City departments can participate as worksites, mentoring program participants while supporting workforce development in Berkeley. Potential hosts can email YouthWorks@berkeleyca.gov for guidance and next steps.
The YouthWorks Summer 2026 Interest Form closed on March 27, 2026.
Information about potential Fall and Winter opportunities will be posted in August.
Summer 2026 Timeline
February 17 – March 27: Interest Form open for applications
All prospective YouthWorkers must fill out an Interest Form. All candidates, including returning candidates, will be required to fill out an Interest Form.March: Interviews
YouthWorkers who are selected will be assigned an interview date with YouthWorks staff. Please let us know if you cannot make your time. Interviews take 10- 15 minutes.April/May: Onboarding, Orientation, and Placement
YouthWorkers will go through an extensive onboarding process, including a livescan, have an orientation to learn fundamental professional skills, and complete their online training required of all City of Berkeley employees. All steps must be completed in order to begin employment.June 8 – August 7: Work at Summer Program Sites
150+ YouthWorkers will be employed for a maximum of 30 hours a week at more than 30 different program sites throughout the Summer. Roles, work schedule and length will vary based on the needs of the different program sites.June: YouthWorks Workshops Begin
Both participants and mentors will be invited to workshops. Workshops for youth are weekly and pertain to life skills that supplement their work experience at sites. Mentor workshops are discussions and topics pertaining to best practices supporting YouthWorkers at various sites.
YouthWorks focuses on access, equity, and opportunity
Berkeley residents facing socio-economic or educational barriers are encouraged to apply, including:
- Those who speak English as a second language
- Those impacted by foster care or the legal system
- Young parents
- Students with disabilities
- Students with IEPs or 504 plans
- Those receiving social services
The program serves Berkeley residents with a focus on historically underserved communities. YouthWorks supports Berkeley's commitment to racial equity. It sees systemic barriers and works to improve access to education, jobs, and self-sufficiency.
We aim to enhance learning skills, professionalism, life skills, and self-care. This way, new workers in Berkeley get the tools they need for a solid future.
YouthWorks Programs
YouthWorks places interns in City of Berkeley departments and community-based organizations in summer and winter. Each year, more than 140 interns work in the summer and more than 50 in the winter.
Application Process
Apply for summer and winter internship placements by filling out an Interest Form. You must complete a new Interest Form each time you apply, even if you are returning.
If you are selected for a YouthWorks internship, you will receive an email. This will include next steps, interview details, and onboarding information. Your interview will last 15–20 minutes and is required.
Onboarding, Orientation, and Worksite Placement
Before you start, gather and submit the following documents:
- Valid ID (not expired)
- Social security card
- Proof of Berkeley residency
- Resume (required if you are a returning YouthWorker)
Start your internship with a required orientation. You will learn workplace skills, professional behavior, and site expectations. Then you will:
- Meet your supervisor
- Finalize your schedule
- Get approval from YouthWorks staff
Along with your work experience, you will attend development workshops. These workshops help you build skills and prepare for future jobs.
Ready to Work Workshop Series
Participants who do not have prior work experience can build skills through an eight-week workshop series.
You will:
- Build key job skills
- Connect with peers who share your interests
- Meet with YouthWorks staff to plan your next steps
Attend at least seven of the eight workshops to receive a stipend.
Accelerator Internships
The Accelerator Internship program offers advanced opportunities for participants with prior work experience. You will work in a professional organization in Berkeley over an eight-week period and gain more advanced experience.
