This program is not currently accepting applications as the next cohort starts in October 2023. Applications will re-open in late summer/early fall.
Make the most of your school break by getting paid work experience in an industry you care about.
The School Break Externship program provides up to 100 high school and college students ages 16-24 with paid, short term work experiences. Selected participants will receive work readiness training to prepare to work in a professional setting. Then, they’ll be partnered with top employers in San Diego during winter and/or spring break.
Past participants have worked in sectors like health care, education, law, retail, social services and more!
“During my externship what I found most valuable was the importance of communicating effectively and asking questions when necessary,” says Jessica, a former extern. “Since my position was a remote position, I had to touch base with my employer a lot and ask him a lot of questions.”
For more information or any questions, email hello@workforce.org or call (619) 319-WORK (9675).
Who It's For
- Ages 16–24
- Currently enrolled in high school or college
- Available to work during your winter and/or spring breaks
- Available to attend one-day training sessions in November, December and March
- Winter sessions are in November and December
- Spring sessions are in March
- Applicants must also meet the income and housing requirements to participate
This program offers help:
- Finding a temporary job or internship
How to Apply
In Partnership with:
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This program is funded in whole or in part with the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to the City of San Diego, and by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program funds provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families to the County of San Diego.
Read about Rolando’s experience with School Break Externship:
Motivated by a desire to give back to his family, high school student Rolando was looking for work experience and a paycheck to afford things for himself like clothes, shoes and fun experiences for his siblings. In his words, Rolando has done some ‘not so great things’ in the past and wanted to make up for it by giving back to his family members.