San Jose, CA - At the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE), the mission committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success extends far beyond the classroom walls. Through the Public Affairs internship program, the SCCOE is shaping the next generation of professionals by providing students with opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact. The internship program offers hands-on experience that helps interns bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world applications. The program is structured in a way that not only instills students with new skills but also increases confidence and clarity about their future.
The internship program is focused on mentorships, collaboration, and professional development.
“The primary goal is to introduce young adults to an office experience where their interests can become a career,” said Jasmine Leyva, Manager of Media and Marketing, who coordinates the program with her colleagues. “It is our goal that participating interns understand they can have an impact in the community through a career in the public sector.”
 Ruby Chen (L) and Sunakshi Sharda (R) supporting VOTEchella 2024 for High School Voter Education Weeks.
| Leyva added that meaningful and impactful experiences come with planning, setting expectations, and inclusion with the team. She added it’s essential for interns to feel like a valued part of the team—knowing they can rely on them while also contributing their own insights. The intern program provides a unique opportunity to work in an award-winning organization, equipping them with skills to excel in the next stage of their careers.
Interns in the program describe it as an eye-opening journey filled with challenges and rewards. For Sunakshi Sharda, one of the fall semester interns, working on the SCCOE News Minute project was a highlight.
“Writing a concise script taught me how to convey complex information in simple terms,” Sharda said “It wasn’t easy at first, but with guidance and feedback from the team, I learned the art of effective communication.” Another intern, Ruby Chen, shared how working on meaningful projects helped her hone new skills.
“Every project I worked on under the mentorship and guidance of the SCCOE team helped me gain valuable knowledge and insight,” Chen said. “Whether it be video production with Digital Media Operations Coordinators, social media campaign development with a Community Engagement/Public Relations Specialist, or analyzing social media data to identify trends and measure the effectiveness of campaigns with the Digital Communication Specialist. The amazing people of the SCCOE Public Affairs Department have facilitated my growth in various niches within the field.”
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The program’s success is rooted in its supportive environment and strong mentorship.
Payje Redmond, a Community Engagement/Public Relations Specialist, mentioned working with interns is an exciting opportunity because it’s a chance to mentor and inspire people who share the same passion for their careers. She added that “collaborating on fresh, creative ideas—like brainstorming and recording social media content—keeps the energy up.”
Beyond skill-building, the program fosters meaningful connections.
“The team made me feel like I belonged there,” shared Sharda. “Even when I faced challenges, they supported me and reminded me to focus on my growth.”
The collaborative nature of this extends to interactions amongst the interns, who often work together on projects and share insights.
“It was amazing to collaborate with peers who often brought different perspectives and ideas to the table,” adds Sharda.
The internship program showcases the impact of mentorship, practical experiences, and teamwork. Interns and guiding teams collaborate, innovate, and inspire each other. The program goes beyond enhancing resumes; it focuses on fostering confidence in skills and shaping a vision for the future.
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About the Santa Clara County Office of Education
Working collaboratively with school and community partners, the Santa Clara County Office of Education (SCCOE) is a regional service agency committed to serving, inspiring, and promoting student and public school success. The SCCOE is a premier service organization driven by the core principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and partnership. For more information about the Santa Clara County Office of Education, please visit www.sccoe.org and follow us @SCCOE on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.