Young Adults

Work Experience & Job Shadowing for Young Adults in Santa Cruz County

Are you 16–24 years old? Want to explore careers, gain job skills, and earn paid experience at no cost to you?

The Sueños Program, offered by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education in partnership with Workforce Santa Cruz County, connects young adults like you with real employers, real work, and the support you need to succeed.

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GET PAID. BUILD SKILLS. DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE.

What You’ll Get

✅ Paid Work Experience – Work 150–250 hours at a local business. You’ll earn wages covered by the program, while building your resume and career confidence.

✅ Job Shadowing – Try out a career before committing. Spend a few hours at real worksites in industries like retail, hospitality, healthcare, office administration, technology, skilled trades, and more.

✅ Job-Ready Skills Training – Before you start, Sueños prepares you with workplace safety, customer service, teamwork, labor laws, resume building, and interview prep.

Who Can Join

You may qualify if you:
• Are 16–24 years old
• Live in Santa Cruz County
• Want to explore a career path
• Need experience to start building your future

No experience required — we’ll help you take the first step.

How it Works

1. Join Sueños through the Santa Cruz County Office of Education
2. Get Job-Ready with workshops and support
3. Get Matched with a local employer
4. Start Working in paid experience or job shadowing
5. Stay Supported with coaching along the way

View All Job Seeker Services

Next: Learn About Adults & Dislocated Workers Services

Build a better future like these Sueños graduates.

“My experience with the Sueños program has been amazing. The staff is very supportive and ready to help you reach your goals. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking for an opportunity to continue their education or work experience.”
— Gabriela, 24

“The Sueños staff are great mentors, always keeping me motivated and positive. I know I can count on them when it comes to the decision-making related to my personal and career goals.”
– Jonathan, 22

“This program has provided me with the support I needed to bring my grades up and be on track to graduate next year. It also allowed me to gain valuable work experience to get a job with Watsonville Public Library. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.”
– Luis, 17

“Being a part of the Sueños program has given me the opportunity to reach my goals, like earning my high school diploma and enrolling in a dental assistant program. I look forward to reaching more goals with the help of the programs.”
– Saray, 22

“Sueños staff assisted in helping me receive my high school diploma, discovering my interest in engineering, participating in a paid Work Experience program in Robotics & Engineering, and ultimately getting a job as an electrician.”
– Gerardo, 18

What Sueños Staff Can Help You Do

✅ Explore career options and training programs

✅ Connect you to paid work experience or job shadowing

✅ Prepare for your job search with resumes, applications, and CalJOBS

✅ Identify next steps like school, certificates, or career pathways

Ready to Get Started?

✅ Step 1: Learn More & Apply – Explore the Sueños Program

✅ Step 2: Download the Flyer – Sueños Program Flyer (PDF)

Once you’re enrolled, Workforce Santa Cruz County will help match you with employers and support your work experience.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

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Take the First Step Today: Your future starts with one decision. Get the skills, experience, and support you need — at no cost to you.

Get Started with Sueños

View All Job Seeker Services

Next: Learn About Adults & Dislocated Workers Services