Summer in the City Internship Program

The Summer in the City program is a partnership between the City of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley Unified School District to provide incoming high school seniors and juniors an opportunity to gain career-ready skills, foster interest in leadership and civic matters, and create a voice for youth to address real city and community issues.

We will select 20 students to participate in the program. Students must be enrolled in Aptos High School, Pajaro Valley High School, Watsonville High School, Diamond Technology Institute, New School, and Renaissance High School.

 Objectives

  • Increase students' understanding of how local government operates 
  • Active participation in making their community better
  • Students learn how to advocate for themselves and others
  • Students explore and experience careers in city government and the school district, gain work experience, and reflect on how this program impacts their course and college choices

Program Details 

June 12 – 27 
• Students will attend the morning program at Watsonville High from 8:30 am - 12 pm
• Students will attend their internship at the City of Watsonville locations from 1 pm - 4 pm
 Lunch will be provided
      
June 30 - July 8
• Students will attend their internship at the City of Watsonville from 1 pm - 4 pm
Lunch will NOT be provided

  • Students will receive a $1,000 stipend at program completion
  • Students will earn five elective credits upon program completion
  • Transportation to field trips will be provided

Eligibility Criteria  

  • Positive attendance in Aptos High School, Pajaro Valley High School, Watsonville High School, Diamond Technology Institute, New School, and Renaissance High School. 
  • Demonstrate good character and a desire to learn and grow in leadership skills and civic engagement activities. 

Application Process 

Each applicant must submit a completed application and ALL requested information. The following must be emailed to citymanager@watsonville.gov at the time of completing this application:

   • One letter of recommendation (teacher, school counselor, school administrator, community leader, faith-based, etc.)
   • A one-page essay addressing the questions in section five
   • A copy of a school-issued identification card

NOTE: Enrollment in Aptos High School, Pajaro Valley High School, Watsonville High School, Diamond Technology Institute, New School, and Renaissance High School will be verified.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call the City Manager's Office at (831)768-3010 or email citymanager@watsonville.gov

Applications for the 2025 Summer in the City Program are now closed.

The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in its programs and activities.