Leadership in Civic Engagement:
High School Summer Internship Program

The Leadership in Civic Engagement High School Summer Internship Program, launched in 2024 by the Monterey County Elections Department, provides incoming high school, sophomore, juniors and seniors an opportunity to gain professional training, foster interest in leadership and civic matters, and become architects of change by crafting their own youth program.

Application

Applications are closed for summer 2025.

For more information call (831) 796-1499 or email MCE.Outreach@countyofmonterey.gov 

Objectives

Through hands-on experience, participants will be given the creative liberty to create an impactful civic engagement program, which will be distributed to schools throughout Monterey County. This initiative aims to empower fellow youth to become active participants in shaping their communities.

Key takeaways

• Students are eligible to receive community service hours.

• Earn a letter of recommendation

• Recognition of accomplishment and certificate of participation.

• Development of leadership skills by designing a civic engagement program.

• Increase understanding of how local elections operate.

• Opportunity to engage with community guest speakers.

2025 Program Schedule

Thursday, May 8 & Friday, May 9 at 5:00 p.m.

• Virtual program information session (approximately 30 minutes). Interested participants are encouraged to attend. 

• Watch the recorded live information session: https://tinyurl.com/3eevhdhs

• Email MCE.Outreach@countyofmonterey.gov for more information.

Friday, May 16 

• Application Deadline.

Friday, May 30

• Decision notices sent via email.

Friday, June 20

• Program orientation at the Monterey County Elections Office, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, June 23 – Friday, June 27

• Student internship sessions will be held at the Monterey County Elections Office, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Enrollment Requirements

1. Submit one complete application.

2. The candidate must be ready to attend the orientation and commit to a week-long internship program with the Monterey County Elections Department.

3. Must be an incoming high school sophomore, junior, or senior living within Monterey County.

4. Submission of a school-issued identification card copy is essential for verification purposes.

5. Ensure that a parent or guardian completes the required consent and release form for the applicant's participation in the program.

6. Obtain a teacher's endorsement for the student.

7. Respond to the supplemental questions regarding your interests and qualifications.