The program invites businesses and nonprofit organizations to mentor local teens

through supervised summer internships.

Bakersfield, CA. – March 10, 2026 – There are 300 local teens (ages 15 to 18)participating in the Summer Jobs Program’s workforce readiness training component (Career Launch) from February through May at several Club and school-based sites. The Career Launch curriculum (job-readiness and career-preparation program) offers a variety of activities to hone teens’ decision-making, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills. This comprehensive program introduces young people to the world of work and equips them with tools to prepare for a future career.

Following their training, the high school teens will be interviewed, and the top 50 will be selected as Summer Interns. The interns will assist local employers with daily tasks, learn the basics of an entry-level job, and gain work experience. Employers are currently being recruited to provide interns with mentorship and hands-on experience in various occupations.

Business Benefits:

?         A paid intern for 16 hours each week (Mon - Thurs) for five weeks (June 8, 2026 to July 9, 2026).

?         Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County covers ALL costs, including: salary, workers' compensation insurance, payroll processing, and taxes.

?         Because the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County is the employer of record, all interns are pre-screened and documented as eligible to work in the US, and new hire registration is completed.

?         Interns receive 10 weeks of basic pre-employment training, youth employee onboarding, and CPR/First Aid/AED certification before beginning the job and are work-ready.

?         With permission, business will be promoted in all media releases as part of this great project, benefiting the Bakersfield community.

The Summer Jobs Program delivers job training benefits to youth and businesses in Kern County.

For more information about the BGCKC Workforce Readiness Program, please contact Monica Gonzalez at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Kern County at 661-325-3730 ext. 245 or summerjobsprogram@bgckc.org.