Recent research conducted by the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC), in partnership with Junior Achievement of San Diego County (JA San Diego), highlights the significant organizational advantages for employers who host high school and post-secondary summer interns.

Boosting Productivity, Collaboration, and Company Culture

Student internship programs led to positive improvements in internal company culture and workplace dynamics.

• Leadership Development: 74% of employers noted an increase in leadership and coaching skills among their employees.
• Cross-Department Collaboration: 62% of employers reported an increase in collaboration across teams, strengthening internal culture and communication, and enabling employees to work together in new ways, reinforcing a culture of teamwork.
• Employee Engagement: 74% of employers noted there was higher enthusiasm and energy at work after hosting interns.

Student internships are not only about developing future talent. They create opportunities for current employees to grow as mentors, leaders, and cross-functional contributors. This leads to a more engaged workforce and a stronger organizational culture.

Strengthening Community Engagement and Corporate Impact

For many organizations, community impact is a core component of their mission or corporate social responsibility goals. Hosting interns can be a powerful way to create an impact in their community, with many employers citing this as a primary reason for participating in youth internship experiences.

• Meaningful Contribution: 67% of employers stated the greatest benefit to hosting interns was the community connection and impact they made in supporting young people.
• Connection to Community: 72% of employers felt more connected to the San Diego community.

Employers consistently shared the personal and professional value of the experience.

William Rivera, Division Coordinator of Strategic Partnerships at San Diego State University Division of Research and Innovation, shared, “Being an employer partner with JA SYEP was genuinely special both personally and professionally. Getting to see the students grow, watching their confidence build, practical skills take off, and just seeing their excitement as they connected what they learned in class to real work — was incredibly rewarding for me. The whole experience reminded me why it’s so important to support youth programs and invest in mentorship.”

Experiences like these exemplify the power of student internship programs in strengthening local ties, shaping future talent, and providing a clear pathway for community investment and impact for businesses.

Building a More Inclusive and Future-Ready Talent Pipeline

As employers continue to navigate workforce shortages, skills gaps, and evolving industry needs, developing a diverse and future-ready talent pipeline has become a strategic priority.

• Retaining Talent: 50% of employers extended internships or offered students full-time employment, and an additional 25% wished to retain interns but faced budget limitations.
• Recruitment: Over 90% of employers viewed internship participation as a way to diversify or expand their recruitment pipeline.

By offering real-world experiences to young people, organizations help cultivate future professionals who are prepared, connected, and aligned with regional workforce needs. At the same time, employers gain early access to emerging talent and can shape their skills to meet organizational and industry demands.

Be a Part of the Solution

Hosting student interns provides a unique opportunity to make a real impact, driving growth for your organization while empowering the next generation of talent:

Employers who host student interns have the unique opportunity to:

• Support the next generation of San Diego talent
• Strengthen employee engagement and leadership
• Diversify and expand recruitment pipelines
• Advance community impact and regional prosperity

By participating, your organization plays a direct role in shaping the future workforce, while benefiting from fresh perspectives, stronger teams, and expanding your reach in San Diego.

Are you an employer interested in hosting student interns? Get in touch with the JA Summer Youth Employment Program team by completing our Site Host Interest Form or contacting Pana Hap at phap@jasandiego.org.

The post Research Shows Student Internship Programs Help Drive Business Outcomes appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

SYEP in Action

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Thank You To Our Partners

The post Summer Youth Employment Program 2025 Recap appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Over the course the semester, students from Lincoln High, Hoover High, and Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School engaged in various career readiness activities. Through site-visits to local businesses, career panels, and mentorship opportunities students strengthened their communication skills, gained familiarity with workplace culture, and the developed their professional networks in local industries.

“I thought I had really good social skills at the beginning, but I definitely learned more advanced social skills and how to have a conversation in professional settings,” said Isabella, a JA Fellow at CVLCC. “I also learned more about networking, and not just talking to them and getting their LinkedIn, but actually making a meaningful conversation that I could connect back with them later in order to ask questions or ask for advice.”

From Classroom to Career: The Summer Youth Employment Program

The JA Fellows experience culminates in the Summer Youth Employment Program, where students apply their skills in paid work-based learning roles. Partnering with leading San Diego employers—including banking institutions with Mission Fed Credit Union, small businesses like Maya’s Cookies, and healthcare providers such as Neighborhood Healthcare—JA Fellows gain firsthand industry experience and familiarity with workplace expectations.

Santiago, a rising senior at Hoover High, will be working at the County of San Diego Treasurer & Tax Collector’s Office exploring the career pathways within the public sector. He is interested in pursuing a career in the finance or STEM fields.

“I’m mostly looking forward to learning about how things on the inside work, not just necessarily the money aspect, but all the things that go into taxes,” said Santiago.

Preparing for Long-Term Success

Students have become equipped with the practical skills, industry exposure, and professional networks that will serve as critical foundations for their career development. As JA Fellow students transition into their summer work experiences and embark on their journeys of early adulthood, they are positioned to apply these competencies to thrive in their future careers.

The post JA Fellows Celebrate Semester Achievements appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

To help you embark on your early professional journey, we outlined some tips to help you land your first job.

Start With Researching

As a high school student looking for their first job, it is helpful to start by doing some research on the type of job that best fits your preferences, skills, and schedule. Ask yourself what are you good at? What type of careers or industries are you interested in?  Start looking at job descriptions for current openings to get an idea of the type of roles that best align with your interests.

In addition to the job role, research the companies you are interested in applying for to learn about their mission, work environment, and values. This will help you determine whether this is an organization you want to work at. If you secure an interview with the company, candidates who clearly demonstrate they did prior research into the company will stand out.

Build Your Resume

A resume outlines your professional experience and accomplishments to showcase why you are a good candidate for the job position. As a high school student, you may be surprised that many of your academic and extracurricular activities can be included in your resume. School clubs, volunteer work, and relevant coursework can be included on your resume — just make sure you are able to describe how your skills and experiences from those activities make you a strong candidate for the job role.

For more tips on writing a resume, check out our blog article on resume writing and download a free resume template here.

Look At Online Job Boards

Online job boards are a great resource to look for job openings. Websites such as LinkedIn and Indeed make it easy to search by job titles, keywords, and companies. If there is a specific company you want to work with, most company websites will have a Careers page that outlines current job openings.

You can also talk with your school counselor. They may be able to help guide you and open new doors as you search for your first job.

Practice For Your Interview

Once you secure an interview, take some time to practice answering common interview questions. Ask a family member or friend prompt you allowing you to rehearse possible responses. Craft an elevator pitch that provides a brief overview of who you are and highlights your achievements. You can use your relevant pitch as your introduction when the interview ask you to share about yourself at the start of the interview. Being proactive in preparing for your interview will help you establish talking points and feel more comfortable in an interview setting.

Dress To Impress

Your first impression matters. That is why to make a good first impression it is important to dress in a style appropriate for the job position you are applying for. Dress in business attire or business casual wear to your job interview. Remember it is always better to overdress than underdress.

Follow Up

After your interview, follow up with the hiring manager and team with an email. Thank them for the opportunity and express your continued interest in the role. Conclude the email by inquiring about next steps in the interviewing process and invite them to ask you any additional questions.

Stay Positive

Securing your first job is an exciting milestone. But there may be times when you feel discouraged, especially if you don’t land the job you want. Remember that the job hunting process is challenging for everyone and there are plenty of other opportunities out there for you. Believe in yourself and your abilities. The right opportunity will come to you in time.

The post 5 Tips to Help Students Land Their First Job appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

To help you achieve your higher education goals, we compiled a list of tips for high school students getting started with their college application process.

1. Check-in With Your Counselor

As you start the application process, check in with your academic school counselor. Your counselor can help you determine what schools would be a good fit, assist you with filling out application paperwork, and direct you to student aid and scholarship programs.

If you have kept your counselor up to date throughout high school, they may become your greatest asset as they keep track of any accomplishments you may have and have access to your academic record. Your counselor is also a great person to write letters of recommendation.

2. Stay Organized & Track Your Deadlines

You definitely don’t want to miss an application deadline! As you are creating a list of colleges you plan to apply for, make a note of each application deadline. A great way to stay organized is creating a spreadsheet using Excel or Google Sheets to list the schools you want to apply for and the application deadlines. You can also include the URL link to the application form, log in information for application portals, and note if you need any supplement materials such as letters of recommendation.

3. Complete The FAFSA Application

Every student should complete the FAFSA application, even if you don’t think you qualify. Financial aid is determined by your Expected Family Contribution and the Cost of Attendance at your college. While not everyone will receive financial aid, students may be eligible for federal loan programs and financial aid programs at their college through FAFSA.

You will need to have several important documents to complete the application, including your social security number (SSN), federal income tax returns, W-2 forms, and other records of income for yourself and parents. The FAFSA application for the 2024-2025 academic year will open December 2024.

4. Extracurriculars

Most applications will ask about extracurricular activities you have participated in. This is when you want to add in all the clubs, sports, and volunteering you have been involved in. You might be able to include hobbies that are significant to you, such as coding or playing an instrument. It can be helpful to have a list ready that outlines all your extracurricular activities with brief descriptions of your responsibilities and accomplishments.

5. Be Authentic In Your College Essay

College essays will typically prompt students to share about themselves and provide deeper insights into who they are. When writing your essays, think of stories you can share where you were able to learn and grow. You can draw from experiences in your extracurricular activities, academic history, or personal challenges. But remember that college admission officers are not just looking for you to describe your experiences. Your essays should include self-reflection and focus on how the experiences that have influenced you.

The post 5 Tips High Schoolers Should Know About Applying for College appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

Below you’ll find a few resolutions you can challenge yourself in your professional life.­­

1. Learn a new skill

You can always learn something new whether it’s expanding your expertise or taking on something completely new. There are many free online resources available to explore a new topic and practice a new skill. Continually challenging yourself to learn keeps your brain healthy and builds connections between other skill areas.

2. Read a motivational book

Get inspired by reading a motivational book or listening to a podcast. By hearing people’s stories and career journeys, you can broaden your perspective and learn from the experiences of others. When you hear the challenges and accomplishments of others, you will feel motivated to tackle your own obstacles and pursue your own goals.

3. Update your resume

Take some time to review your resume and freshen it up. Even if you’re not actively looking for work, it is a good idea to keep your resume updated with relevant accomplishments and responsibilities. Remove older positions, add new skills, and reformat your resume for a modern look.

4. Get active on LinkedIn

Along with your resume, make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date. If you don’t have one, take some time to sign up and create a profile. LinkedIn is a great resource to connect with people in your field and find professional resources.

5. Expand your professional network

Meet professionals in your community and industry through networking events and groups. Joining a professional group is a great way to meet more people in your field. Some organizations require a membership fee, but there are also many online groups you can join for free on platforms such as Facebook and Reddit.

6. Find a mentor

Mentors can help you define your professional goals and keep you accountable. They can share invaluable advice and knowledge and introduce you to new opportunities. Mentorship can also enhance soft skills like collaboration and communication. With a mentor, you will have someone you can trust and share ideas in confidence regarding your work and career goals.

7. Volunteer in your community

Give back to your community by volunteering with a local charity or other nonprofit organization. This is also a great way to develop your skillset or explore a different field. You will also meet other community-oriented people and grow your local network.

8. Organize your workspace

Go through the draws and files in your workspace and clear out documents you no longer need. You can even go through your digital files to organize and make room for storage. A tidy workspace can reduce your stress and help you focus on the task at hand.

9. Maintain a work-life balance

Remember there is more to life than your work. Set boundaries between your work and personal life. For example, not checking your email after a certain time, taking small breaks throughout the day to regroup your thoughts, or saying no to new projects when you already have a lot on your plate. Each person will have their own ways to manage a healthy work-life balance. Find what works best for you.

The post 9 Career New Year’s Resolutions for 2023 appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

For high school students, it can feel challenging to determine what to feature in your resume, especially when you don’t have formal work experience. There are plenty of ways to highlight your skills and abilities to employers through your involvement in school and extra-curricular activities.

We’ve listed out all the key parts every high school student should include in their resume.

1. Contact information

On the top of your resume, write your full name and include contact information. You should always list an email and phone number. Use a personal email address that is professional. While traditionally it has been expected to provide a mailing address, it is no longer necessary. You can also include your LinkedIn profile or personal website URL in this space.

2. Objective

An object is a short statement on what makes you qualified for the job. It is about one to three sentences that give a summary of your skills and goals.

3. Education

While your high school education is typically not to be listed on a resume, current high school students or recent graduates can include their high school education. Alongside your school’s name, you can include your GPA, academic honors, and relevant coursework.

4. Work Experience

List part-time jobs, summer jobs, or even gig work like babysitting or dog walking. In this section, include the name of the employer, the time you worked at the company, and bullet point descriptions of your responsibilities. Use action verbs when describing your job responsibilities and tailor the descriptions to the job you are applying for.

5. Extra-Curricular Activities

If you don’t have work experience, you probably have other activities that demonstrate your skillset. You can highlight clubs and after-school activities like working for the school newspaper, being a part of the ASB leadership, art club, etc. If you play sports, volunteer, or have any notable hobbies, you can include those as well. This can be a great way to show your involvement in the community and highlight leadership skills outside of school.

6. Skills

List out your soft and hard skills. Soft skills are also referred to as personal skills or interpersonal skills. Examples include communication, teamwork, adaptability, problem-solving, etc. Hard skills are technical abilities, such as speaking another language, video editing, computer skills, machinery usage, etc.

7. Certificates

Include relevant certificates highlighting your accomplishments or additional educational courses you have completed. List the certificate title, the organization that awarded the certification, the date issued, and a brief description.

Final Tips

Once you have created your resume, have a friend, family member, or teacher look it over. An extra set of eyes can help ensure your resume is free of spelling and grammatical errors and clearly explains what makes you a strong candidate.

We’ve created a resume example of a high school student applying to work at a restaurant. You can also use this as your resume template. Make a copy of the file on Google Docs to edit and create your own resume. Access our JA Resource: Resume Example & Template here.

The post 7 Steps To Creating An Impressive High School Resume appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

First impressions last and can be difficult to change once established. This is why it is critical to make a good first impression and set a positive tone for the rest of the relationship.

Here’s how to make a good first impression.

Dress appropriately

Dress in the proper attire. Wear professional business clothes to interviews or business meetings. Depending on the audience and occasion, a business casual look may be more appropriate.

Be on time

Arrive on time to the event or meeting. Being punctual demonstrates you are organized and dependable. It also demonstrates you are respectful of your colleagues

Have proper body language

People pick on non-verbal communication whether they are consciously aware of it or not —  which is why it is important to have positive, welcoming body language. Maintain eye contact with the person you are speaking with. Use the power of a smile. A warm, genuine smile can go a long way. Stand up straight and have good posture to exude confidence.

Give a solid handshake

Extend your hand first and make eye contact. Don’t squeeze the other person’s hand too tight, but don’t make your hand too limp either. A handshake should be firm and brief.

Build rapport

Instead of making small talk about the weather, ask open-ended questions to find a commonality with the person you’re speaking with. It can be something as simple as having a shared favorite local restaurant or attending the same school. This will help you develop the business relationship.

Be actively engaged

Actively listen to what is being said. Nod your head and lean forward to show that you are paying attention. Repeat what the person says to show that you’re engaged and listening. Ask thoughtful questions that are relevant to the information presented.

Come prepared

Conduct some research on the people and company you will be meeting with. This will help you better prepare with the guidance above. Even some basic research can provide context on how to dress and present yourself appropriately as well as generate talk points and questions to discuss during the meeting.

Make your first impression count

You only have one chance to make a good first impression. By following this advice, you will certainly leave a long-lasting, positive impression at your next business meeting.

The post 7 Tips for Making a Good First Impression appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

 Let’s look at some of the ways JA programs promote good citizenship:  

 Being productive society members   

 JA programs inspire students to actively participate in their community. By preparing students for the workforce, we empowering students to be contributors to the economy. People can be productive members of society not only through their work and careers but also through other aspects of their lives. We want our students to have a sense of purpose, to take responsibility, and to set a good example for others to follow.  

 Voting in elections  

 As part of the McGrath Family JA BizTown program, students elect a mayor of BizTown for the simulation portion of the program. Students who choose to be mayoral candidates are introduced to running a campaign and all students learn how to take part in the democratic process. Students firsthand begin to understand their role in a democratic society. Students are then taught the importance of voting in elections and the importance of choosing a representative to act and serve the people.  

Taking on leadership roles  

Students can develop their leadership skills through all JA programs. JA programs champion the value of being a self-starter and a visionary. Students are encouraged to be role models for others, take on leadership responsibilities, and pioneer innovation. Students will be able to translate these skills into real-world applications to make a positive impact in their communities.  

Solving problems in the community   

In programs like JA Ambassadors, students identify problems in their community or society and develop proposals on how to solve the selected issue through business. A good citizen wants to help improve their communities and understands the importance in taking action. This program prompts students to take initiative and equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to address community issues in the future.  

Giving back  

JA partners emphasize the importance of giving back by donating or volunteering, particularly during high school level programs. With the support of volunteers who contribute to JA programs through mentorships or serving as guest speakers, students witness others give back to their community firsthand. As the direct beneficiaries of community members giving back, students can recognize the significance giving back has and will inspire them to give back in their own ways in the future. 

The post How JA Programs Encourage Good Citizenship In Students appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.

There is still a core set of skills that every great leader should have. Let’s examine the top 10 traits that make a leader successful.

1. Communication

This includes both written, verbal, and intrapersonal communication. Leaders need to articulate their ideas clearly for others to understand. Conversely, leaders must be able to actively listen to others. This is one of the most important aspects of communication skills. Your communication style needs to make people feel valued and heard.

2. Visionary

A leader needs to have a vision for their business and a general plan on how to achieve that vision. They must formulate an idea of what the future of the business will look like and how to execute that goal. This vision needs to serve as an inspiration for the whole team so everyone feels motivated to work to achieve the vision.

3. Problem solver

New problems will arise each day, some big and some small. A leader must be able to make decisions quickly and effectively. They need to make those decisions with confidence and without doubting themselves.

4. Self-starter

A leader will take the initiative to start a project and get stuff done. They don’t wait around to be told what to do or relying on others to finish a task.

5. Mentor

A leader has to be able to coach their team members to grow as individuals and as a whole. A leader will adjust for each team member’s teaching style. Not only do mentees benefit from the advice and connections for their mentor, but the mentor will also learn and gain new perspectives and ways of thinking.

6. Dependable

Your team needs to know they can count on you. This builds trust with your team by showing that you can be relied on to follow through and get things done. Follow the deadlines and be responsive to the needs of your team.

7. Flexibility

A leader needs to be flexible and adjust to new things accordingly. They should welcome new ideas and be able to adapt if issues arise.

8. Delegator

Each individual team member brings their own strengths and skills which a leader must be able to recognize. Then, leaders must be able to assign different tasks and projects to their team members accordingly.

9. Empathy

Empathy allows you to understand where your team members and clients are coming from. This will help you build a relationship with those you are working with.

10. Integrity

A leader must be honest and have a strong sense of integrity. This not only gains the respect of your team but also sets a good example for your team members to follow. Take responsibility for any mistakes you make. Give your team members credit for their work and highlight their successes.

The post 10 Essential Skills Every Leader Should Have appeared first on Junior Achievement of San Diego County.