Internships & first jobs.
A living list of East Bay internships, paid programs, and volunteer roles for teens. Pick your age and see only what you can actually apply for. Every listing is checked against the program's own page.
your first step into the working world
Find a Program That Fits
Start with your age. Then narrow by pay, season, or city. Programs marked Opening later are worth planning for now — most summer spots are decided by April.
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Every program above was confirmed on its official page on the date shown on its card. Deadlines and pay change, so always check the program's site before you plan around it. Spot something wrong or missing? Email zymbolic@zymbolic.org.
Before You Apply: Work Permits
In California, anyone under 18 needs a work permit for a paid job. Volunteer roles don't need one. It's free and takes about a week.
Get a job offer first
The permit is tied to a specific employer, so apply and get accepted before you start the paperwork.
Fill out form B1-1 with your employer and a parent
The “Statement of Intent to Employ a Minor.” Your school's counseling or College & Career office has it, or download it from the California Department of Education.
Turn it in at your school
Your school issues the permit (form B1-4), usually within five school days. San Leandro Unified students go to the College & Career Center at San Leandro High.
Know your hour limits
At 14 or 15 you can work up to 3 hours on a school day and 18 hours in a school week. At 16 and 17 it's 4 hours on a school day and 28 a week.