Central Coast K-16 Regional Collaborative Funds 100+ Paid Internships for Students

Strategic Insights -

The Central Coast K-16 Regional Collaborative, led by UC Santa Cruz's Educational Partnership Center, is creating nearly 100 paid internships that connect local students with career pathways in high-demand fields such as healthcare, engineering, and computing. This initiative is part of a larger effort to help students move from high school to college and into high-wage, high-impact careers. By combining state and regional funding, the partners are investing nearly $500,000 in paid internships and apprenticeships.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Central Coast K-16 Regional Collaborative is funding nearly 100 paid internships that connect local students with career pathways in high-demand fields.
  • The initiative is led by UC Santa Cruz's Educational Partnership Center and is supported by the California K-16 Collaborative Grant Program.
  • The Collaborative has funded ten new or expanded career pathways in healthcare, engineering, and computing, involving 36 school districts and more than 50 institutions.
  • Uplift Central Coast has invested in three dozen economic development projects focused on critical sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, semiconductors, childcare, and the arts.
  • The K-16 Collaborative is investing nearly $500,000 to fund close to 100 paid internships and apprenticeships that place community college and university students directly into Uplift-supported initiatives.
  • The internships are being offered through eight partner organizations, including Hartnell College, Allan Hancock College, Rancho Cielo, and Community Memorial Healthcare.
  • The goal of the initiative is to give students meaningful experiences while addressing workforce shortages in key industries.

Statistics:

  • Nearly $500,000 in funding has been allocated for paid internships and apprenticeships.
  • The Central Coast K-16 Regional Collaborative has funded ten new or expanded career pathways.
  • Uplift Central Coast has supported three dozen economic development projects.
  • The initiative places community college and university students directly into Uplift-supported initiatives.
  • Eight partner organizations are offering internships through the initiative.

Sources:

  • University of California - Santa Cruz
  • California K-16 Collaborative Grant Program
  • Central Coast K-16 Regional Collaborative
  • Uplift Central Coast