About a year after launching an internship program for students in Juvenile Court and Community Schools (JCCS), San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) tech teams have shown that opportunity, when paired with real-world skills and mentorship, can be life-changing.
This spring, three new student interns — Laila, Brandon, and Brannon — joined the Integrated Technology Services (ITS) team at SDCOE’s Linda Vista campus, continuing the momentum started by Mariah and Faith in the program’s pilot cohort last school year. The internship, designed to expose JCCS students to high-demand careers in technology, is more than just a job – it’s a transformational experience.
From day one, the interns were immersed in hands-on learning. They repaired devices, configured laptops, and explored the inner workings of SDCOE’s tech infrastructure. Each rotation — whether in network services, application development, or data systems — was paired with mentorship and professional development, helping students build both technical and interpersonal skills.
“It felt like I was part of the ITS team,” said Brannon, who has since returned to his home school, Grossmont High School, as a senior. He previously attended Cuyamaca Prep.
Members of the ITS division often work behind-the-scenes providing vital support and training for adults in educational systems, explained Senior Manager of Integrated Applications and Systems Ruaa Kuecken. This internship program connects programmers directly with students in SDCOE’s first district.
“Seeing the spark in their eyes reminded me how exciting technology can be when you’re just starting out,” Kuecken said. “It wasn’t just about showing them what we do, but about giving them a chance to imagine what they could become.”
The internship also emphasized cybersecurity, a field that captivated Brandon and Brannon during summer sessions with industry leaders. They learned not only how to protect systems, but also how ethical decision-making plays a critical role in tech careers.
“This program is a living example of our strategic plan priorities,” said Chief Technology Officer Terry Loftus. “We’re transforming structures to foster belonging, trust, and equity through transformational learning experiences. These students aren’t just learning tech — they’re being seen, heard, and valued.”
During the internship, students practiced presenting ideas to leadership, collaborating with colleagues, and managing small projects from start to finish. Laila, Brandon, and Brannon learned how to communicate clearly, solve problems, and think critically about their own work.
“This internship changed the way I think, because it gave me an understanding of what I want in life and what I want to accomplish,” Brandon said.
The internship culminated with all three spring interns having earned their CompTIA Tech+ certification, a nationally recognized credential that validates their skills and opens doors to future opportunities.
Mariah, a graduate from the first cohort, returned this summer to mentor new interns while attending San Diego City College and working part-time with SDCOE.
“I am beyond grateful,” Mariah said. “Not only does this internship give you money, it makes you feel good about yourself. It changed my life.”
JCCS has several student internship opportunities available through community partnerships along with apprenticeship programs supported by the Innovation division. They each connect students with real-world skills, professional contacts, and a sense of belonging.
As the ITS-JCCS partner program grows, so does its impact. Brandon plans to join the Air Force, Brannon is pursuing robotics, Laila is exploring opportunities in tech, and Mariah continues to thrive in college and her role at SDCOE.
For these students, the internship wasn’t just a summer job — it was a turning point.