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Opportunities for High School Students in California

Resources for High School Students 

Are you a high school student interested in earning work experience during the summer? Are you curious about a career in public service? California state government provides opportunities to current high school students and those with a high school diploma. 

Current Students

For current high school students under the age of 18, you can gain work experience as a Youth Aid. These roles are available during the summer months or on a part-time basis throughout the academic year. A Youth Aid assists state employees with clerical responsibilities, reception work, office equipment operation or manual labor.  
 
Pro Tip: To find these positions, search “Youth Aid” on the CalCareers homepage.

Example Job

Title:Youth Aid
Agency:Department of Parks and Recreation
Mission:The mission of California State Parks is to provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation
Location:Marin County
DescriptionWorks with staff in the facilitation of daily operation of the Junior Lifeguard Program, maintains first aid inventory, delivers first aid supplies to lifeguards, assists with greeting park visitors, checking in on campers and ensuring safe loading and unloading of passenger ferries.

Recent Graduates

For recent high school graduates with a diploma, you can gain work experience as an Office Assistant. These general office roles exist across departments and are considered entry level. Daily responsibilities may include records management, document review and equipment maintenance. 

Pro Tip: To find these positions, search “Office Assistant” on the CalCareers homepage. You can find employment exam requirements for these roles in the job announcement.  

Example Job

TitleOffice Assistant
AgencySierra Conservation Center
MissionThe primary mission of SCC is to provide housing, programs and services for minimum and medium custody incarcerated individuals to aid in their rehabilitation.
LocationTuolumne County
DescriptionComposes, types and edits correspondence, reports and memorandums of a sensitive to confidential nature. Maintains the daily function of the office including mail and document handling, filing, ordering and maintaining supplies and equipment, and other job-related duties as requested.

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