Body of News Release
Marin County, CA – 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, and local pool of youth candidates for employment opportunities that promote growth and development. Its objective is to provide a meaningful internship experience that is beneficial and rewarding for all participants. The program also 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 valuable workplace experience.
Applications are available on the County website in English and Spanish; use the drop-down menu to toggle to the Spanish application.
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 ended up finishing and graduating. 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 ten 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 a variety of educational workshops, including job readiness, résumé writing, financial literacy, and a professional LinkedIn workshop, among others.
The second phase includes interns’ site placements, which will begin on June 29 and conclude on August 7. Interns will be placed in various County departments and nonprofit organizations throughout the community.
The program will conclude with an “End of Program Celebration” to honor participants for their commitment and dedication; details will be announced at a later date.
The application period closes at 11:59 PM on Friday, May 8. Questions? Email the Probation Department or call (415) 473-6599.