Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (BYJP) Overview

Thank you for your interest in the City of Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (BYJP)!

The City has partnered with Kern Community Foundation (KCF) to administer the program, including accepting and reviewing applications, as well as placing successful candidates in available positions. Thanks to a $5.39 million grant from California Volunteers, Office of the Governor, the City will hire youth ages 16- to 30 years old. The program includes a paid high school summer internship program, a paid college-level fellowship program, a paid recreation internship, and partnerships with nonprofits to employ underserved youth.  An array of entry-level and career paths are identified in City departments and nonprofit organizations. These pathways will provide both hands-on and technical training to equip youth with experience and knowledge to prepare them for future permanent employment.

---

City Hall Summer Internship Requirements & Duration

• June 17, 2024 First Day of Work & Orientation
• July 8-12, 2024 Mid-Program Evaluations
• August 9, 2024 Last Day of Work

Application Dates

• April 5, 2024 Application Released
• May 3, 2024, @ 11:59:59 PM Application Closes
  • APPLICATION EXTENDED: May 6, 2024, @ 5:00 PM Application Closes
• May 6 – 10, 2024 Applications Review
• May 13 – May 24, 2024 Panel Interviews
• May 28, 2024 Decisions Mailed and Eligibility Confirmed

Compensation

Interns will be paid $18.00 an hour and be provided with all-inclusive fringe benefits including worker’s compensation.

---

Parks Mobile Recreation Internship Program Overview

The Parks Mobile Recreation Internship Program is an eight-week, paid internship where youth ages 18 – 30, will work part-time with the City’s Recreation & Parks Department. As a pipeline to a career in public service, Interns will gain experience working with diverse groups of children, take part in pop-up recreation activities, help facilitate recreational programming and special events, create memories for children, and contribute to programs for the homeless. Youth will receive career development services from the Kern Community Foundation and Recreation & Parks Department including regular professional workshops, travel stipends, mentorship, and field trips.

---

City Hall Apprenticeship Program Overview

The City Hall Apprenticeship Program is a six-month, paid internship where youth ages 18 to 30 will work part-time as Apprentices with the City of Bakersfield’s Public Works Department. As a pipeline to a career in public service, Apprentices will perform maintenance, repairs, and overhaul of the City’s light and/or heavy equipment trucks, construction equipment, automobiles, fire vehicles, police vehicles, small engine equipment, refuse vehicles, street sweepers, generators, recycling equipment, and similar equipment. Apprentices will be taught how to:

• Diagnose, inspect, and maintain city equipment;
• Diagnose and perform major and minor repairs;
• Install, replace, and repair original equipment manufacturer/aftermarket parts;
• Perform welding, fabricating, and modifications as needed;
• Utilize diagnostic equipment such as scanners and laptops to perform repairs;
• Ensure parts are ordered and received and processed correctly;

Apprenticeship Requirements & Duration

Apprenticeships will last six months and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. All applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 by the start and end of their apprenticeship. The first cohort of Apprentices will begin working in April 2024. Apprentices are expected to work 20 hours per week, Monday – Friday, from 5 AM to 8 PM PST. Apprentices will occasionally be required to report on Saturdays and Sundays on an as-needed basis. Schedules will be determined by Department Supervisors. Below are important program dates to consider before applying:

The application window is currently closed.

---

Nonprofit Internship Program Overview

BYJP aims to recruit, train, and place youth from under-resourced communities with community-based nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofit Internship Application Process

The Nonprofit Internship Program is now accepting applications. KCF will review applications every week. KCF will contact the candidate within 5 to 7 business days of receiving the application if they would like the candidate to participate in a 30-minute panel interview. If you are applying in conjunction with a referral form from a nonprofit organization, it is the responsibility of the nonprofit to complete and submit the referral form.

---

City Hall Fellowship Program Overview

The City Hall Fellowship Program is a paid fellowship where youth will work part-time with City departments on important projects and initiatives. As a pipeline to a career in public service, youth ages 18 to 30 will shadow an employee at participating Departments and help with administrative duties and analyses; assist in the compilation, analysis, and control of departmental budgets; prepare and present reports and provide administrative assistance to City departments. Youth will receive comprehensive career development services from the Kern Community Foundation including bi-weekly professional workshops, travel stipends, mentors, and field trips. Fellows are expected to work 20 hours per week, Monday – Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM PST. Schedules are determined by Department Supervisors.

The application window is currently closed and will reopen in Summer 2024.

---

Fact Sheet

The Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (BYJP) Annual Report is now available!

---