San Rafael, CA – The 9th Annual Career Explorer Program has achieved a milestone year, offering unprecedented opportunities for local youth. The Marin County Probation Department’s funded program included 34 host internship sites and 75 internship positions in public service, marking the largest cohort in the program’s history.
The Career Explorer Program, an eight-week summer paid internship initiative, provides invaluable career development opportunities to local youth facing employment barriers, including systemic involvement, family justice involvement, living in at-risk communities, having individualized education plans, being unhoused, and other socioeconomic challenges. Participants are compensated with a stipend of $17.50 per hour for 25 hours per week.
The program, targeting youth aged 15 to 22, offers a unique experience working across various County of Marin Departments, local non-profits, and public education partners. It is divided into two phases: an educational component with workshops on resume writing, financial literacy, college preparation, public speaking, diversity, equity, inclusion, and career assessments, followed by a hands-on experience where participants are placed at designated internship sites for career exploration. Due to the program’s growth, this year’s two-week orientation was hosted at the Marin County Office of Education building.
The program celebrated its participants’ achievements, awarding Isai Rodas from San Rafael the prestigious Dan Daniels Spirit of Service Award. The keynote address was delivered by Antonio Zavala, a Marin County native who overcame systemic involvement and now dedicates his life to improving county systems. Zavala, currently pursuing a Master’s in Education with a concentration in Social Justice and Equity, shared his inspiring journey and commitment to social change.
Chief Probation Officer Marlon Washington expressed his pride in the program’s expansion. “The remarkable growth of our Career Explorer Program is a testament to our county’s commitment to educating youth beyond the classroom.”
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