A new partnership between Santa Cruz Works and Digital NEST, funded by a California Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) grant, is providing paid internships for underserved youth at ten local businesses. The program aims to reduce commute distances, strengthen the regional economy, and create career pathways for young adults.
Santa Cruz Works, a nonprofit focused on cultivating a robust innovation ecosystem, and Digital NEST, which empowers underserved youth with tech skills, are advancing their collaboration through the AHSC 2025–26 Internship Opportunity Program. The City of Santa Cruz funds the program via the AHSC grant, part of California’s effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by linking affordable housing with sustainable transportation and economic opportunity.
Through the program, ten local businesses have welcomed interns for six-month, paid positions. Each participating company receives up to $10,000 in grant funding to compensate their interns, lowering financial barriers for small businesses and startups eager to mentor emerging talent. Santa Cruz Works recruits companies, while Digital NEST handles intern recruiting, training, and case management. Many interns come from bizzNEST, Digital NEST’s youth-powered creative agency, where participants 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.”
The earn-and-learn model addresses youth employment challenges by providing paid experience, mentorship, and credentials in local communities. “We’re preparing young people for wealth-building careers and a more equitable future,” said Cathy Wright, VP of Partnerships & Innovation at Digital NEST.
Participating companies and their interns include: Climatize with Julian Guerrero as Video Production Intern, Nurbli with Yuliana Morales-Galvan as Software & Development Intern, X Academy with Fernanda Jordan as Marketing Intern, Mission Hill Creamery with Julian Cabadas as Marketing Intern, Siena House with Elsa Tamayo as Marketing Intern, Go Ask Alice with Melanie Kate as Social Media Marketing Intern, Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery with Edgar Robledo-Salgado as Video/Digital Storytelling Intern, Innovation Within with Jared Esquivel as UX Contractor, Clean Oceans International with Emily Ramirez as Social Media & Outreach Intern, and Senior Legal Services with Katherine Sarna as Communications Intern.
“We’re thrilled by the talent and energy these interns are bringing to local companies,” said Malina Long, Business Development and Programs Manager at Santa Cruz Works. “Their impact will ripple across our community for years to come.”
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 sustainable careers in Santa Cruz County.
