Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (BYJP) Overview

Thank you for your interest in the City of Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (BYJP)!

The City of Bakersfield is excited to announce the creation and launch of the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program- The first of its kind. The City has partnered with Kern Community Foundation (KCF) to administer the program, including accepting and reviewing applications, as well as placing successful candidates in available positions. Thanks to a $5.39 million grant from California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, the City will hire nearly 400 youth ages 16- to 30 years old starting in June 2022. The program will include a paid high school summer internship program, a paid college-level fellowship program, and partnerships with non-profits to employ justice-involved youth. The program will provide job training, case management, and mentorship to underserved youth to bolster our future workforce. An array of entry-level and career paths identified in City departments and non-profit organizations. These pathways will provide both hands-on and technical training to equip youth with experience and knowledge to prepare them for future permanent employment.

Nonprofit Internship Program Overview

BYJP aims to recruit, train, and place youth from under-resourced communities with community-based nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofit Internship Application Process

The Nonprofit Internship Program is now accepting applications. KCF will review applications every week. KCF will contact the candidate within 5 to 7 business days of receiving the application if they would like the candidate to participate in a 30-minute panel interview. If you are applying in conjunction with a referral form from a nonprofit organization, it is the responsibility of the nonprofit to complete and submit the referral form.

Nonprofit Internship Requirements & Duration

• The Nonprofit Cohort will be a non-linear cohort.
• Internships will occur for 15 continuous weeks or to the completion of 300 hours and interns will help nonprofit organizations with clerical, administrative, and entry-level tasks. 
• Referrals for at-risk youth ages 18-30 are strongly encouraged. Referrals are accepted on an ongoing basis

Compensation

Interns will be paid bi-weekly an hourly rate equivalent to the California minimum wage and provided bus passes upon request.

Nonprofit Internship Application Dates

• December 13, 2022: Applications Released
• Applications and referrals are accepted on an ongoing basis.

City Hall Fellowship Program Overview

The City Hall Fellowship Program is a paid fellowship where youth will work part-time with City departments on important projects and initiatives. As a pipeline to a career in public service, youth ages 18 to 30 will shadow an employee at participating Departments and help with administrative duties and analyses; assist in the compilation, analysis, and control of departmental budgets; prepare and present reports and provide administrative assistance to City departments. Youth will receive comprehensive career development services from the Kern Community Foundation including bi-weekly professional workshops, travel stipends, mentors, and field trips. City Hall Fellowship Requirements & Duration Internships shall take place from Monday, September 25, 2023 through Friday, August 2, 2024. Fellows are expected to work 20 hours per week, Monday – Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM PST. Schedules are determined by Department Supervisors.

The application window is currently closed and will reopen in April 2024.

City Hall Summer Internship Requirements & Duration

The City Hall Summer Internship Program is an eight-week, paid summer internship where high school youth will work part-time with City Departments on important projects and initiatives. As a pipeline to a career in public service, high school students will shadow an employee at participating Departments and help with administrative duties including typing material from copy or draft, receiving, and routing correspondence, maintaining simple operation records, analyzing data, and assisting with program management. Youth will receive career development services from the Kern Community Foundation including regular professional workshops, travel stipends, mentorship, and field trips. Interns must be 16 years of age or older and are expected to work 20 hours per week, Monday – Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM PST. Schedules are determined by Department Supervisors.

The application window is currently closed and will reopen in April 2024.

Parks Mobile Recreation Internship Program Overview

The Parks Mobile Recreation Internship Program is a ten-week, paid internship where youth ages 18 – 30, will work part-time with the City’s Recreation & Parks Department. As a pipeline to a career in public service, Interns will gain experience working with diverse groups of children, take part in pop-up recreation activities, facilitate recreational programming and special events, and help children develop lasting memories of a great experience. Youth will receive career development services from the Kern Community Foundation and Recreation & Parks Department including regular professional workshops, travel stipends, mentorship, and field trips.

The application window is currently closed.

Fact Sheet