WEST SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - We often hear from employers that recent graduates and new hires do not have the skills they need to succeed in an entry-level job. As a local business leader, you can help address this challenge by offering a summer internship to a local high school student, at no cost to you, through the West Sacramento Home Run.

In 2018 the City of West Sacramento launched the Home Run, a comprehensive initiative designed to help families prepare their children for school, college, and careers. Home Run workforce development programs include a paid summer internship program for qualified high school students and a digital micro-credential program designed to foster the soft skills needed in virtually every industry, such as professional communication, teamwork, and initiative. Interns’ wages and all insurance costs are paid by the City.

Your business can both support and benefit from the Home Run. By offering a summer internship you can help a local high school student gain valuable skills and work experience. That young person then joins a pipeline of skilled entry-level employees for local businesses—including yours.

Home Run interns must be at least 16 and must meet certain academic requirements to be eligible for the program. All interns come from the Washington Unified School District. Interns receive soft skills training be- fore and during the 8-week internship, and supervisors can join a cohort of their peers to share ideas and best practices.

If hosting an intern is not feasible, there are other ways to support local youth and help strengthen West Sacramento’s workforce, such as mentoring or providing job shadowing opportunities for individual students, hosting site visits, or making classroom presentations. If you would like to learn more about the internship program or any of the Home Run programs, please contact Jeff Miller at (916) 617-5315 or [email protected], or visit wshomerun.work.

We look forward to your participation in making West Sacramento the best place to grow up, raise a family and find talent!