Dear friend,
I’m thrilled to announce that my Summer 2024 Student Internship Program is now accepting applications! Apply before May 12, 2024! My office is looking for engaged students in high school and college or recent graduates looking to spend a minimum of 10 hours a week learning about California policy and engaging our community. In addition, today’s E-Newsletter contains a wealth of exciting opportunities and resources designed to support and uplift students, youth, and young adults from our District. Whether through educational programs or state and community initiatives, there are opportunities available for our youth to participate so we may foster the development of tomorrow's leaders.
As we prepare for this summer, the cities of Alameda, Emeryville, and Oakland, along with our community-based partners, are actively involving our youth to develop the professional and interpersonal skills necessary for the next generation of changemakers to emerge directly from our neighborhoods. I am also honored to continue elevating our California Service Corps programs for young adults and college students to tap into. Summer break is often seen as a time for relaxation and enjoyment. Still, it also presents a valuable opportunity to explore career paths and develop the skills and interests our youth deserve.
In today’s e-newsletter, you’ll find firsthand testimonials from my previous District interns, scholarships, financial resources offered by the State of California, and District 18 summer activities and opportunities. Together, let's embark on a journey of growth, empowerment, and community impact centered on our young people.
Yours in Service,
Mia Bonta
Assemblymember, 18th District
In this newsletter, you'll find the following information:
- Section 1: Assemblymember Bonta’s Student Internship and Testimonials
- Section 2: California Youth Opportunities and Financial Aid Resources
- Section 3: District 18 Youth Opportunities in Alameda, Emeryville, and Oakland
Assemblymember Mia Bonta & staff are committed to keeping AD-18 residents fully engaged and informed. Please send this newsletter to a friend and subscribe!
Stay connected with our office at (510) 286-1670, Email Me, or follow us on social media.
Section 1: Assemblymember Bonta's Student Internship and Testimonials
*Pictured Above: Some of Assemblymember Bonta’s Summer 2023 Interns, alongside staff and community organizers, tabling at the Living Science Day at Liberation Park in East Oakland.
The California State Assembly Student Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to participate and experience the work of a state assembly office. Many current Assemblymembers and government staffers started as District interns around the state. We asked our current and former interns to share their experiences to show whether an internship at Assemblymember Bonta’s office is right for you.
Katherine - Fall 2023 Intern
My student internship with #TeamBonta was an enlightening immersion into public policy and state legislation. I particularly enjoyed engaging with the community and understanding AD-18's needs to develop my legislative proposal request: a community garden initiative to alleviate the district’s and state’s nutritional insecurity. At the end of my term, I even had the opportunity to present my proposal to Assemblymember Mia Bonta.
I am particularly grateful for the mentorship I received throughout the semester from District Director Rowena Brown, who was kind enough after my internship to submit a letter of recommendation on my behalf for my Capital Fellows application. Furthermore, the mentorship I received from Gélser Zavala during my intern assignments, as well as the professional development opportunities, have contributed significantly to setting me up for success post-graduation from UC Berkeley. If you want to make a difference in California and are looking to gain legislative experience from a group of kind-hearted, passionate leaders, look no further and join #TeamBonta.
Trinity - Summer 2023 Intern
I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the 2023 Summer Intern Cohort in the Office of Assemblymember Bonta! Working in the Office this summer showed me the vital work that goes into creating meaningful legislation and what it takes to fulfill an elected official's responsibilities effectively. One of the things that I valued was the work I did to help uplift AD-18. Another highlight was the policy proposal project that I got to do! I had the chance to research and develop a policy proposal on an important topic. I have always wanted to experience that process and see how legislators create bills. I came into the internship program wanting to learn about our political systems at the state level and utilize my knowledge to give back. That goal was successfully met during my time in the Office of Asm. Bonta. I am deeply honored to have worked with a group of kind and outstanding individuals who have taught me so much and given me new relationships and an experience that I will always be grateful for. Trinity is a graduating senior at UCLA studying political science and also interned in Fall 2023 with former Assembly Majority Leader Isaac Bryan.
Section 2: California Youth Opportunities and Financial Aid Resources
Section 2A: California Service Corps - $10K College Corps Fellowship
College Corps will provide more than 10,000 college students with opportunities to support and learn from community-based organizations working in three priority areas: K-12 education, climate action, and food insecurity. College Corps Fellows will earn up to $10,000 – which includes a living allowance and an Education Award.
Section 2B: California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation Scholarship
The California Latino Legislative Caucus Foundation (“CLLCF”) is pleased to invite all qualified California residents to apply for this scholarship. This program was established to assist students by offering financial assistance to help meet educational expenses.
Applications are due June 1, 2024, so apply today!
Section 2C: California Legislative Black Caucus Frederick M. Roberts College Scholarship
As a California Legislative Black Caucus member, I am pleased to share and encourage applications for the Frederick M. Roberts College Scholarship, named after the first African American Legislator in California. This scholarship was established to assist deserving students by offering financial assistance to help meet educational expenses.
Completed applications are due on May 10, 2024, so apply today!
Section 2D: California Legislative Black Caucus African American Leaders of Tomorrow
As a California Legislative Black Caucus member, Assemblymember Bonta is pleased to share and encourage applications for our rising 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to apply today for the African American Leaders of Tomorrow program before May 10, 2024!
When: July 17-20, 2024
Where: California State University Dominguez Hills.
This exciting four-day residential program is packed with legislative learnings, leadership development, STEM activations, a career fair, and networking and community-building opportunities. This opportunity is greatly beneficial and highly encourages our Assembly District 18 African American 10th, 11th, and 12th graders to apply. If you have any questions, we are happy to help and please don't hesitate to reach out for more information.
Section 2E: CalKIDS Awards for Newborns and Students - Open your account today!
CalKIDS gives money for college or career training to eligible students in California. There are two eligible groups: Newborns and School-Aged Children.
Open your CalKIDS account below today.
Section 2F: Federal Application for Free Student Aid Extended to May 2, 2024!
California’s priority deadline for the 2024-25 FAFSA is May 2, 2024. Students are encouraged to apply by the priority deadline to be considered for state student financial aid.
Section 2G: California Student Aid Commission Cal Grants and Middle-Class Scholarship
Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply using the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program. Grants are for students attending the University of California, California State University, California Community College, or qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California.
Section 2H: Financial Opportunity CalABLE for People with Disabilities
Members of the disability community shouldn’t have to struggle to build financial security because of the risk of losing public benefits and the high cost of expenses. With CalABLE, you can save for needs and dreams and afford to live your best life.
Open your CalABLE account below.
Section 2I: Metropolitan Transportation Commission Internship
Metropolitan Transportation Commission (“MTC”) offers Bay Area high school students the opportunity to discover the inner workings of a metropolitan planning organization and start on a career path in government service. Applications are due April 28, 2024.
Section 3: District 18 Youth and Internship Opportunities in Alameda, Emeryville, and Oakland
Section 3A: Career Catalyst Youth Internship Placements
Career Bridge, with Catalyst Youth Network, provides paid internships and career mentorship in 2024 for Oakland High School students. Career paths include math tutoring, BART, Caltrans Career Discover, Legal Fellowships, Aviation, Entrepreneurship, and Communications.
Apply with Career Bridge below.
Section 3B: City of Oakland Youth Employment Opportunities!
The City of Oakland’s Parks, Recreation, and Youth Development has various activities and opportunities for Oakland youth to enjoy and engage with this summer. Through a robust activity guide for spring and summer 2024, there are open part-time employment positions available for the summer.
Submit your application below.
Section 3C: City of Emeryville Summer 2024 Guide for Youth
The City of Emeryville has published its Summer 2024 City News and Activity Guide! Find opportunities in aquatics, volunteering, youth sports, enrich your learning/skills, and find employment in the Emeryville area.
Section 3D: City of Alameda 2024 Opportunities
The City of Alameda offers a wide variety of volunteer and community service opportunities for those in Middle and High Schools, which count towards school community service requirements.
Submit your application below.
Summer 2024 Youth Activities and Opportunities include:
- Summer Teen Volunteer Program:
- The Summer Teen Volunteer Program provides a learning opportunity for teens to work with Kindergarten to 4th-grade youth in Alameda Recreation and Parks Department WOW Programs and develop their skills while earning community service hours.
- Junior Leaders Volunteer Program:
- This exciting NEW program is for Incoming 9th-12th Graders for Fall 2024 - we encourage candidates who have previously participated in the ARPD Summer Teen Volunteer Program. This program aims to prepare Junior Leaders to enter the workforce and one day work for the Alameda Recreation and Parks Program.
- Operation Green Sweep:
- Green Sweep is looking for teens who want to earn community service hours by helping to beautify our City parks and community centers.
- Alameda Youth Committee:
- Alameda Recreation and Parks Department is seeking responsible and motivated teens to help coordinate activities for teens, assist with community events, take action on community issues, and help with fundraising.
Section 3E: Youth Employment Partnership
Youth Employment Partnership (“YEP”) operates one of the highest-performing youth workforce development programs. YEP offers job readiness training and summer-long employment to low-income youth in Oakland. Their pre-employment training includes financial literacy, communication, and conflict management skills, as well as comprehensive support services to address additional needs.
If you are between 14-18 years old and interested in applying for a 2024 summer job please fill out the application below.
If you are a young adult (18-24 years old) interested in finding work opportunities, please fill out the young adult program application below.
Section 3F: Lao Family Youth Employment Program for 16 - 24 year olds!
Lao Family Community Development Youth Employment Program is designed to help youth prepare for the world of work by gaining valuable skills, experiences, and confidence to become empowered in their pursuit of their goals. The program is open to Oakland Youth (ages 16-24). Youth enrolled in the program will receive job-readiness training, ongoing support, and meaningful paid work experience.
Apply for their Summer 2024 application below.