A partnership between Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST is providing paid internships for underserved youth in Santa Cruz County, funded by the California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) grant. The program aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by linking affordable housing with sustainable transportation and economic opportunity, while also building a diverse talent pipeline for local businesses.
The AHSC grant, administered by the City of Santa Cruz, supports six-month paid internships at ten local businesses. Each company receives up to $10,000 to compensate interns, lowering financial barriers for small businesses and startups. Santa Cruz Works recruits participating companies, while Digital NEST handles intern recruitment, training, and case management. Many interns come from bizzNEST, Digital NEST’s youth-powered creative agency, where they gain paid experience in digital marketing, software development, and design.
“This grant is a game-changer for our community,” said Bonnie Lipscomb, Director of Economic Development and Housing for the City of Santa Cruz. “It levels the playing field for residents who have faced systemic barriers to employment, while also eliminating cost concerns for businesses that want to mentor and grow local talent.”
Participating companies include Climatize, Nurbli, X Academy, Mission Hill Creamery, Siena House, Go Ask Alice, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, Innovation Within, Clean Oceans International, and Senior Legal Services. Interns are working in roles such as video production, software development, marketing, social media, and communications.
“The earn-and-learn model is a proven solution to youth employment challenges,” said Cathy Wright, VP of Partnerships & Innovation at Digital NEST. “By providing paid experience, mentorship, and credentials right in their own communities, we’re preparing young people for wealth-building careers and a more equitable future.”
Malina Long, Business Development and Programs Manager at Santa Cruz Works, added, “We’re thrilled by the talent and energy these interns are bringing to local companies. Their impact will ripple across our community for years to come.”
The program advances the AHSC’s mission to promote healthier communities by reducing commute distances and fostering a resilient economy. By connecting local talent to local jobs, the initiative supports both career pathways and the regional economy. For more information about Digital NEST’s programs, visit www.digitalNEST.org.
The partnership between Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST represents a model for community-driven workforce development that strengthens local companies, diversifies the talent pipeline, and ensures the next generation can build meaningful, sustainable careers in Santa Cruz County.
