Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Workforce Development Grant
Internship Opportunity Program (IOP)
In June 2025, the City of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz Works, and Digital NEST announced a collaboration to strengthen our local workforce and support and fund paid internships for young adults in underserved areas of Santa Cruz County: the Santa Cruz Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Workforce Development Grant Internship Opportunity Program (IOP). At the beginning of each new cohort, Santa Cruz Works reviews applications from employers interested in hosting an intern. Digital NEST conducts targeted outreach to local residents (ages 18-24) who live in disadvantaged census tracts in Santa Cruz County, including census tracts near the awarded AHSC grant project area such as the Beach Flats and Lower Ocean neighborhoods in the City of Santa Cruz. Digital NEST handles the initial screening of candidates and provides employers with a pool of qualified applicants to review. Employers schedule and conduct final interviews and select their preferred intern from the candidates provided.
Throughout the internship, Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST regularly check in with both the employer and the intern to monitor progress. At the conclusion of the program, both parties receive a short survey to assess its success. All participants sign an agreement. Additional details are provided upon application acceptance.
Employer Responsibilities
INVOICING
Invoices for the prior month are due to Santa Cruz Works by the 5th business day of the following month.
CANDIDATE SELECTION
Companies are responsible for conducting final interviews (from Digital NEST’s candidate pool) and selection of their intern. Must complete hiring process within 3 weeks.
ONBOARDING AND INTEGRATION
A. Pre-Arrival Communication
Welcome email with essential information (start time, dress code, what to expect, your expectations of them, etc).
Share company resources (employee handbook, organizational chart).
Assign a buddy, mentor, or supervisor that the intern can go to to ask questions or address concerns with.
B. First Day/Week Orientation
HR Onboarding: Paperwork completion and benefits overview (if applicable).
IT Setup: Laptop, software, network access, email (if required).
Team Introductions: Meet direct team and key stakeholders (recommended).
Office Tour/Virtual Walkthrough: Familiarize with workspace and resources.
Company Overview: Mission, values, culture, history, current projects.
Intern/Employee Handbook/Guide: Share any handbooks your company has.
Tracking hours/tasks completed: Have the intern track their work hours and tasks each day on a time log sheet. Please send a copy of the timesheet to us at the end of each month. We may need a copy of this in the future so hold onto it for reference for at least 1 year.
C. Assigning Meaningful Projects & Tasks
Project/Program/Task Alignment: Ensure projects, programs, and/or tasks align with the intern's skills, interests, and program goals.
Clear Deliverables: Define expectations, deadlines, and success metrics.
Start with manageable tasks: Break down tasks, explain why and how things work, build confidence and understanding.
Variety of Experiences: Offer exposure to different aspects of the business.
D. Mentorship: Provide Dedicated Supervisor/Mentor
Role Definition: Clearly define responsibilities and expectations for the intern. Offer guidance and feedback on what is working well and what could be improved (and program/project oversight if needed).
Training: Equip supervisors with mentoring skills and program expectations.
Regular Check-ins: Schedule 1:1 meetings for progress updates, constructive feedback, answer questions, and provide connections to industry to support the development of the intern.
E. Foster a Learning Environment:
Encourage Questions: Emphasize that no question is "dumb." Create a safe space for them to ask for clarification and information.
Active Listening and Note-Taking: Encourage them to take notes during meetings and when receiving instructions.
Shadowing Opportunities: Allow them to observe meetings, presentations, or daily tasks of other team members to gain a broader understanding.
Provide Context: Explain the "why" behind tasks and projects. This helps interns understand the bigger picture and how their contributions fit in.
Encourage Networking:
Internal Connections: Facilitate introductions to people in other departments or different roles.
External Events: If appropriate, suggest industry events, webinars, or professional organizations they can join.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the internship?
Internships should be approximately six months long in duration.
When does the internship start?
Internship start dates will be unique to each employer and intern agreement.
Are these internships paid?
Yes, companies will receive up to $10,000 each from Santa Cruz Works to compensate their interns.
What is the expected time commitment for the intern?
10-40 hours per week, but this will vary from internship to internship.
I am a young adult who would like to participate in this program, how do I sign up?
Please reach out to Catherine Wright via cathy@digitalnest.org and let her know you are interested in the AHSC internship opportunity program and what part of town you reside in.
What are the benefits of participating in this program?
Participating in this internship program offers several significant benefits to employers:
Access to Pre-Screened Talent: Digital NEST handles the initial screening, saving employers time and resources in the recruitment process by providing a pool of qualified and motivated candidates.
Cost-Effective Resource: Since this internship is fully paid for by Santa Cruz Works through the The City of Santa Cruz Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Workforce Development Grant, it is a uniquely cost effective opportunity for employers.
Fresh Perspectives and Innovation: Interns, often students or recent graduates, bring new ideas, up-to-date knowledge, and a fresh perspective to existing challenges. Their enthusiasm and different viewpoints can spark creativity and introduce innovative solutions.
Increased Productivity and Support: Interns can assist with various tasks, from routine administrative duties to specific project segments, freeing up current employees to focus on higher-level, more strategic initiatives. This can boost overall team productivity and efficiency.
Employee Development and Mentorship: Hosting an intern provides current employees with valuable opportunities to develop their leadership, mentorship, and supervisory skills. This fosters a culture of learning and professional growth within the organization.
Enhanced Employer Branding and Community Engagement: Participating in such a program demonstrates a company's commitment to community development and talent nurturing, enhancing its reputation as a desirable employer. It can also build stronger relationships with local educational institutions and organizations like Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST.
Pipeline for Future Hires: Internships serve as an excellent "try-before-you-buy" opportunity. Employers can assess an intern's skills, work ethic, and cultural fit over an extended period, significantly reducing the risk and cost associated with traditional hiring for full-time positions. Many successful interns transition into full-time roles, already familiar with the company's operations and culture.
What kind of candidates can employers expect from Digital NEST?
Employers working with Digital NEST can expect interns with a strong foundation in various digital and professional skills, primarily within the 18-24 age range. Digital NEST's "bizzNEST" program, their in-house digital media agency, provides hands-on, paid internship experience, preparing interns for real-world client projects.
Technical Skills: Digital NEST interns typically have experience or training in areas such as:
Web & Graphic Design: Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, XD), Figma, WordPress, Squarespace, HTML/CSS. They can work on user research, wireframes, site structure, visual design, and branding.
Video Production: DSLR/Cinema cameras, production equipment (lighting, audio), Adobe Creative Suite / DaVinci Resolve. They gain experience in pre-production (storyboarding, scripts), production (camera operation, grip & lighting, audio), and post-production (editing, color correction, motion graphics).
Digital Marketing: Canva, social media platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube), content creation for various platforms, market research, content calendars, email marketing.
Web Development: (Focus on front-end) HTML, CSS, WordPress theme/plugin customization, responsive design.
IT Support: While less explicitly detailed, Digital NEST's broader focus on technology suggests some interns may have basic IT knowledge.
Professional ("Soft") Skills: Digital NEST emphasizes and develops crucial professional skills, meaning employers can expect interns who demonstrate:
Strong Communication: Effective oral, written, and non-verbal communication, active listening, and openness to feedback.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to build positive working relationships and contribute effectively in team settings.
Problem-Solving & Critical Thinking: Identifying issues, analyzing information, developing options, and implementing solutions.
Organizational & Time Management: Managing multiple projects, meeting deadlines, and attention to detail.
Initiative & Adaptability: Eagerness to learn, independently seeking resources, and adapting to new environments and tasks.
Self-Awareness: Understanding their strengths and growth areas.
Creativity and Curiosity: Developing new approaches and ideas.