Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County Expands Summer Internship Program

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County is actively seeking businesses and nonprofit organizations to partner in its Summer Jobs Program, aimed at mentoring local teens through structured summer internships. This initiative will support approximately 300 local youths, aged 15 to 18, who are currently engaged in the workforce readiness training component known as Career Launch. The training runs from February through May at various Club and school-based locations.

The Career Launch curriculum focuses on job readiness and career preparation, equipping teens with essential skills such as decision-making, problem-solving, and critical thinking. By participating in this comprehensive program, young individuals gain valuable insights into the working world, preparing them for future career opportunities. Following their training, the top 50 candidates will be selected as summer interns through a competitive interview process.

Interns will support local employers by performing daily tasks, learning the fundamentals of entry-level jobs, and acquiring essential work experience. The Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County is currently recruiting employers willing to provide mentorship and practical experience across various occupations.

Benefits for Businesses

Participating businesses will receive several advantages by hosting interns under this program. Each intern will work for 16 hours per week, Monday through Thursday, for five weeks, from June 8, 2026, to July 9, 2026. Importantly, all costs associated with the internship, including salary, workers’ compensation insurance, payroll processing, and taxes, will be covered by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County.

As the employer of record, the organization ensures that all interns are pre-screened and verified as eligible to work in the United States. Additionally, new hire registrations are completed on behalf of participating businesses. Before starting their roles, interns will receive 10 weeks of basic pre-employment training, youth employee onboarding, and certification in CPR/First Aid/AED, ensuring they are fully prepared for the workplace.

With permission, businesses participating in the program will be highlighted in all media releases, showcasing their commitment to benefiting the Bakersfield community and supporting local youth.

About the Program

The Summer Jobs Program not only delivers essential job training benefits to youth but also offers a unique opportunity for businesses in Kern County to engage with and mentor the next generation of workers. This initiative fosters connections that can lead to future employment opportunities for participants.

For more information about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County’s Workforce Readiness Program, interested parties can contact Monica Gonzalez at 661-325-3730 ext. 245 or via email at [email protected].