About The New AFS Apprentice and Internship Program
We are thrilled to introduce the AFS Apprentice and Internship Program! Through this program, we aim to provide our apprentices and interns with comprehensive support, empowering them to excel personally and professionally. Our goal is to help them realize their full potential within our community and as integral members of the AFS team.
We’re proud to announce partnerships with four esteemed educational institutions: the University of Pacific, STRIVE, Chabot Las Positas, and Florida State University. We’ve successfully integrated ten apprentices and interns across five distinct AFS programs through these collaborations. Our efforts don’t stop here; we are actively forging ties with three additional Bay Area universities. This expansion will significantly increase our capacity to welcome more students by next fall.
The core objectives of the AFS Apprentice and Internship Program are:
- Recruitment of Passionate, High-Caliber Students: We’re seeking academically proficient students and genuinely enthusiastic about their fields.
- Strengthening Ties with Academic Institutions: By collaborating with universities, we aim to create mutually beneficial relationships supporting student learning and organizational growth.
- Enriching Learning Opportunities: We’re dedicated to providing experiences beyond the basics, offering real-world, impactful learning.
- Fostering Personal and Professional Development: We believe in nurturing the holistic development of our apprentices and interns, preparing them for future success.
- Cultivating Staff Retention: We aim to build a loyal, skilled workforce by investing in quality training and development.
How This New Program Helps Us Meet Our Mission
According to one estimate, demand for trained mental health professionals will be at least 40% greater than supply. And the discrepancy is especially acute in more inland areas like San Joaquin County and Lake County.
To effectively serve the almost 1,500 youth and families we work with annually, the internship program adds to our quality-affirming care. We believe this program will be a cornerstone in our efforts to nurture a vibrant, skilled community within AFS.
This initiative underscores our commitment to fostering our team members’ professional and educational growth. If you’re interested in being part of this new program, send us a note at afsjobs@afs4kids.org today.
And if you’re interested in full-time positions at AFS, check out the careers page: https://www.afs4kids.org/careers
