• Anyone between the ages of 16 and 30 who is enrolled in an academic or training program is welcome to submit an application.
• Priority will be given to applicants from communities of concern who are low-income, unemployed, justice-involved, in foster care, currently or previously unhoused, military-affiliated, or have experienced substance abuse or mental health issues.

No. Applicants must meet grant eligibility requirements. However, the City will make its best effort to place applicants with City opportunities, irrespective of grant eligibility.

Yes. Interns are employees of the City of San Diego. As such, interns must have the legal right to work in the United States or be a United States citizen. 

Some internship positions require a resume and/or cover letter, while others do not. We strongly encourage you to upload both a resume and cover letter to your application, even if not required. Please refer to Resources for assistance with drafting a resume and cover letter.

The City’s Human Resources Department (HR) screens applications for eligibility. After screening for eligibility, Departments facilitate hiring independently, in keeping with the City’s standards.

After determining your eligibility, HR makes your application available to the hiring department. You will be contacted by the hiring manager if you are selected to interview. Remember to check your email regularly for important communications.

Application, interview, backgrounding, and onboarding usually take 6-8 weeks.

Interns are paid between $19.47/hour-$22.75/hour depending on their education level.

Yes. Please refer to Resources for assistance with drafting a resume and cover letter, as well as common interview questions and best practices.

A portion of the grant budget provides as-needed wraparound supports such as transportation passes, professional clothing assistance, as well as City-owned laptops, and hotspots. The City also provides professional development and mentorship opportunities.

Yes, grant funds are available for purchasing professional attire.

All City interns are eligible for a free MTS Pronto transit pass.

Participants can utilize the City’s Employee Assistance Program for mental health services. Medical and dental benefits are limited to full-time employees; as such, interns are not eligible.

Yes, the City’s financial partner Cal Coast Credit Union will be available during onboarding to assist with creating checking and savings accounts.

Yes, there is an orientation/onboarding at the beginning of the internship, and ongoing mentoring available throughout the duration of the internship.