SOAR for Youth creates a bright future for Bay Area foster youths, who are among the most vulnerable members of our society. Partnering with UC Berkeley, SOAR helps these young people aged 11-19 move through adolescence and into their adult lives with independence and purpose. We believe that support at this life-stage has the most positive influence on their journey to success.
Our deep community connections help us recruit employers that are prestigious and aligned with SOAR’s mission, as well as closely matched with our students’ interests. SOAR pays each student a stipend and covers transportation costs to assist those interns who need help. Based on the responses to our surveys, 100% of the interns have said they would recommend the program to another student, and 100% said that they would consider another internship in the future. Previous internship employers have said they will continue to participate in the program and would recommend SOAR interns to friends and colleagues. As one mentor put it: “I think this is a great program and would love to mentor another intern next summer.”
Interested in Becoming an Internship Mentor?
SOAR for Youth invites you to be part of the exciting journey our high-achievers take in pursuit of a meaningful professional future. We hope you will consider financially supporting these resilient foster youths or partnering with SOAR by providing an internship opportunity. For more information on our 2021 Summer Internship Program, please email info@soarforyouth.org.
Summer Internship Youth Testimonials
The SOAR summer internship has allowed me to gain experience in my field of interest. I learned necessary soft skills for a career in science at my internship. This is helpful because I intend to have a career in the STEM field.
- J at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
The internship was great. From the experience, I was able to learn how engineers communicate in their work environment and through various projects. The skills that I am gaining now will carry over to my career as a mechanical engineer.
- C at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
The internship was great! I enjoyed making the connections that I made, especially with the Honorable Judge Chuck Smiley. It made me want to consider being a judge one day, not just a DA. I learned a lot of new things that I could apply to my life when being a lawyer
- N at Superior Court of Alameda County
I got a lot of office experience this summer. I learned what it’s like to be in a professional environment, which is great to have on my resume. I learned to be more responsible, get to places on time, especially with Bay Area traffic. I really felt like an adult this summer traveling to my internship
- B at UC Berkeley Student Affairs Oakland Tech Exchange
I got experience on a career I’m interested in going into. I learned many skills that I will use going into my career. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to learn more about an interested career path.
- J at Oakland Tech Exchange
The SOAR summer internship at the John Muir National Historic Site absolutely made my summer. It gave me a chance to see what it’s like to work in the park services, and I even got to travel with them to Yosemite. It gave me the money I needed to move off campus in college, helping me take the necessary steps towards my future
- A at John Muir National Park Services
The internship helped me learn and know what I want to do in the future
-J at Habitat for Humanity
