Application period opens for county work experience program
Applications are open through May 8 for the County of Marin’s popular Career Explorer Program, an eight-week paid summer internship that provides opportunities for local youth ages 15-21 who may face barriers to employment or career development.
Funded by the Marin County Probation Department, the program aims to create a diverse, skilled, local pool of youth candidates for employment opportunities. The program seeks to expand interns’ knowledge of employment opportunities within the county workforce and the broader community, educate youth on how their academic goals align with careers in public service and help them develop new skills while gaining workplace experience.
More than 500 young people from Marin have participated and graduated through the Explorer program over the past decade. Last year, 96% of those who applied and started the internship finished and graduated. This year, participants may work up to 25 hours per week and will earn $18.50 per hour.
“This program has been a proactive investment in our youth and our community for over 10 years,” said Marlon Washington, the county’s chief probation officer and interim assistant county executive. “The Career Explorer Program is designed as a preventive initiative that equips youth with the tools, knowledge and support they need to succeed. We have seen participants go on to secure county jobs and other meaningful opportunities as a direct result of the experience and guidance they receive through this program.”
The program begins with a two-week orientation from June 15 through June 26 providing the interns with a foundation for their site placements. During that phase, participants will engage in educational workshops, including job readiness, resume writing, financial literacy and a professional LinkedIn workshop.
The second phase includes interns’ site placements, which will begin on June 29 and conclude on Aug. 7. Interns will be placed in various county departments and nonprofit organizations. The program will conclude with a celebration to honor participants for their commitment. The application period closes at 11:59 p.m. May 8. Email octavia.racy@marincounty.gov or call the probation department at 415-473-6599 for more information.
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