City of Santa Ana program will provide work experience to 120 young people

The City of Santa Ana Community Development Agency is pleased to announce the expansion of the Santa Ana Youth (SAY) Employment Program, which will now provide paid public sector and non-profit work experience to 120 Santa Ana youth ages 16 to 30.

This initiative is made possible through a $2 million grant awarded by California Volunteers, part of the State of California Department of General Services. The Santa Ana City Council on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, unanimously approved implementing the program for Santa Ana residents.

This grant marks the second award from California Volunteers, following a previous grant of nearly $4.5 million in June 2022. During the first funding period, 400 youth participated in the work experience program, each working an average of 350 hours across various City Hall agencies and local non-profits over two years.

The new #CaliforniansForAll Youth Service Corps (CA4ALL) grant will benefit 120 youth aged 16 to 30, providing them with valuable work experience. The program will be managed by City staff in collaboration with Community-Based Organizations (CBO) including the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County, Dreams for Schools, and Working Wardrobes.

Enrollment begins in September 2024. Click here to learn more and apply.

This Program is targeting Santa Ana residents. Selected youth participants will work 20 hours per week. If you are under 18, you must submit with the application a Request for Work Permit and have your parent or guardian sign it.

The selection process is first-come, first-served, and meet the following criteria:

• Live in Santa Ana
• Youth must be 16 to 30 years of age.
• Be a citizen of the United States or have legal permission to work in the United States.
• Must complete an application and provide required documentation.

For questions, please call the Santa Ana Work Center at 714-565-2600 or e-mail SAYEmployment@santa-ana.org.