SF YouthWorks – Paid City Government Internships
Paid part‑time internships for high school students in San Francisco city departments with job‑readiness workshops, mentoring, and a Youth Leadership Team for returning interns.
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Speaker of the Assembly – District Office Student Internship Program (California)
Unpaid internship in a California State Assembly district office, performing constituent services, legislative research, event support, and community outreach—excellent direct exposure to state politics.
Coro District Youth Leadership Academies (DYC) – District Youth Fellows
Coro's District Youth Leadership Academies are neighborhood‑based civic‑engagement programs serving youth in San Francisco. Fellows receive leadership and public‑speaking training, conduct informational interviews with local civic leaders, and design a community action project; completing fellows receive a 500 USD stipend.
Danville Youth Council (DYC)
Official youth advisory body to the Danville Town Council where high school representatives attend Town Council meetings, advise on youth‑related policies, organize community events, and gain hands‑on experience in local government and civic engagement.
Leadership in Civic Engagement – Monterey County Elections High School Summer Internship
Week-long summer internship at the Monterey County Elections Department. Students receive professional training, learn about election administration and civic engagement, and design youth outreach activities.
Norman Mineta Bay Area High School Summer Academy (MTC / ABAG)
Paid regional program introducing Bay Area high school students to public sector careers in transportation, planning, and regional policy (e.g., housing, climate). Legally more "public policy / urban governance" than pure civics, but very political science adjacent.
Political Science Internships for High School Students in California – Ladder Internships Guide
Article compiling 15 real political internships in California (e.g., USC Center for the Political Future, state legislative offices, local government programs). Many are exactly the kind of public policy placements you're looking for.