Who’s eligible to be an intern?
In order to be eligible to participate in SF YouthWorks you must:
- Be a resident of San Francisco
- Attend high school in San Francisco
- Be in (or entering) the 11th, or 12th grade
- Have time in your schedule to work a minimum of 6 hours per week (during the school year session) and 10 hours per week (during the summer session). Most internships take place between 9am and 5pm on weekdays.
Where do interns work and what kind of work do they do?
SF YouthWorks interns have the option to work in more than 30 city departments, such as the Department of Public Health, the District Attorney’s office and the Board of Supervisors. The daily tasks of interns vary, depending on the worksite. Most SF YouthWorks internships are clerical, involving administrative work in an office setting.
What is the pay rate?
Interns are paid San Francisco’s minimum wage.
How many hours do interns work?
SF YouthWorks interns work in paid internships for up to 10 hours per week (during the school year session) or 20 hours per week (during the summer session).
How does SF YouthWorks support interns?
- YouthWorks staff provides ongoing support for SF YouthWorks interns, monitoring the internships and helping interns navigate the workplace environment.
- SF YouthWorks interns attend career development workshops on topics such as Job Readiness, Money Management, Resume and Interviewing Skills, and Career Exploration.
- SF YouthWorks interns attend career development events where they can meet professionals who work in all different areas of public service.
- SF YouthWorks staff help interns figure out what their next step is after they graduate from the program.
When and how can I apply to be an intern?
SF YouthWorks has two sessions, one during the school year and one during the summer. You must fill out an application, including short answer questions, in order to participate. We release our school year application in August, and our summer application in April. Please check our Become an Intern page to download the application at those times.
How can I become a mentor?
If you are a San Francisco city employee, you can become a SF YouthWorks mentor. As a mentor, you will work closely with a high school student, teaching valuable skills, providing guidance and support, and exposing your intern to career opportunities in the public sector. If you are interested in becoming a YouthWorks career mentor, please request a copy at info@sfyouthworks.org.
Please contact us at 415-202-7911 or info@sfyouthworks.org with any questions about mentorship.
How does SF YouthWorks support mentors?
YouthWorks staff members work with mentors to place appropriate interns, monitor internships, and provide consistent support and assistance. YouthWorks does all the administrative work! Career mentors do not need to worry about interviewing, employment-related paperwork, worker’s compensation, or payroll processing. YouthWorks staff plans monthly lunchtime workshops and networking events to provide resources and give you a chance to share ideas with other mentors
