In a world where opportunities can transform lives, the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has taken a significant step with its internship program tailored for students in Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS). Launched about a year ago, this initiative has proven to be a beacon of hope for many young individuals, showing that hands-on experience, mentorship, and real-world skills can be life-changing.
This spring saw the addition of three new student interns — Laila, Brandon, and Brannon — to the Integrated Technology Services (ITS) team at SDCOE’s Linda Vista campus. These students are part of a legacy created by Mariah and Faith, who were the pilot cohort last year. The primary objective of this internship is to expose JCCS students to promising careers in technology that are currently in high demand. This internship is far more than just a job; it’s an enriching, transformational experience.
From the very first day, the interns were thrust into a hands-on learning environment where they took part in repairing devices, configuring laptops, and getting a behind-the-scenes look at SDCOE’s extensive technological framework. Each rotation they undertook—be it in network services, application development, or data systems—was carefully crafted to include mentorship and professional development. This approach not only fostered technical skills but also helped the students hone crucial interpersonal abilities.
Brannon, one of the interns, vividly expressed his experience: “It felt like I was part of the ITS team.” Now a senior at Grossmont High School, Brannon previously attended Cuyamaca Prep. His sentiment reflects the internship’s goal of fostering a sense of belonging and community among participants.
Senior Manager of Integrated Applications and Systems, Ruaa Kuecken, emphasized the vital support the ITS division provides to educational systems. Through this internship program, students get an unparalleled opportunity to connect directly with professionals, bridging the gap between technology and education.
“Seeing the spark in their eyes reminded me how exciting technology can be when you’re just starting out,” Kuecken noted. The essence of the program goes beyond mere technical training; it encourages students to envision a future filled with possibilities in the tech field.
Another noteworthy focus of the internship is cybersecurity—a field that particularly captivated both Brandon and Brannon during summer sessions led by industry experts. They learned not only the methodologies for protecting systems but also the integral role ethical decision-making plays in tech careers. This combination of skills equips them for a future rife with potential.
Chief Technology Officer Terry Loftus explained the broader implications of the internship: “This program is a living example of our strategic plan priorities. We’re transforming structures to foster belonging, trust, and equity through transformational learning experiences.” Loftus reinforces the idea that students are not merely learning technical skills; they’re also being recognized and valued as individuals.
Throughout their time in the program, interns were encouraged to practice presenting ideas to leadership and managing projects from inception to completion. This exposure allowed Laila, Brandon, and Brannon to develop clear communication tactics, problem-solving techniques, and critical thinking skills about their work. Brandon reflected on the internship’s impact, saying, “It changed the way I think, because it gave me an understanding of what I want in life and what I want to accomplish.”
As the internship came to a close, all three students earned their CompTIA Tech+ certification—a significant achievement that validates their skills and serves as a launchpad for future opportunities. This certification is nationally recognized and illustrates their readiness to enter the tech workforce.
Mariah, a graduate from the previous cohort, returned to the program to serve as a mentor to the new interns while balancing her studies at San Diego City College and a part-time role with SDCOE. Her gratitude for the experience was evident when she shared, “I am beyond grateful. Not only does this internship give you money, it makes you feel good about yourself. It changed my life.”
JCCS offers various student internship opportunities in collaboration with community partners, along with apprenticeship programs backed by the Innovation division. Each initiative is designed to connect students with real-world skills, valuable professional contacts, and a supportive community.
As the ITS-JCCS partnership evolves, so does its impact on young lives. Brandon has aspirations to join the Air Force, Brannon aims to delve deeper into robotics, Laila is contemplating various avenues in technology, while Mariah continues to build on her success in both college and her role at SDCOE. For these students, this internship was not merely a summer job; it represented a transformative turning point in their lives.