West Sacramento Foundation

Our commitment to the West Sacramento Community is rooted in the belief that by investing in our children, we invest in our future. A donation to the West Sacramento Foundation means a stronger, healthier, and thriving West Sacramento where all children are given the support and resources to thrive. This year our fundraising efforts will be focused on providing more opportunities for local high school students to gain paid work experience through a summer internship.

Summer Internships

Through the West Sacramento Home Run, high school students can apply for paid summer internships with local businesses. Employers are recruited specifically for this program, creating opportunities for students who might not otherwise have access to professional work experience. Local businesses, non-profits, and other agencies are able to participate because the wages for interns are paid through the prog

Placements span a wide range of fields, including engineering, administration, childcare, agriculture, and health care. Since its inception, the program has grown exponentially. Last year, 155 students applied for just 60 spots.

With your support, we can expand the program, serve more students, and provide even more young people with the hands-on experience they need to explore career paths and build essential workplace skills.

Testimonies

Meet our former interns and now Program Promoters, Anahi and Farzana. Both started with us as summer interns and quickly stood out for their dedication and leadership. After spending one of their two internship summers on our team, we were so impressed that we invited them to stay on part-time.

As Program Promoters, they represent our programs at their schools and in their communities, connecting with peers, teachers, and clubs, and leading workshops to increase awareness and engagement. They’ve also gained experience interning with other organizations, further strengthening their skills.

Today, they are proud champions of our internship program and have played an important role in recruiting new students and growing interest.

Farzana, Senior at Washington Unified School District

My first experience participating in this internship program was during my sophomore year of high school. At that time, I was still an English learner and had no prior work experience. Stepping into a professional environment for the first time felt intimidating. However, being given this opportunity became a meaningful starting point for my journey into professionalism and the working world.

As an English learner, I initially struggled with confidence, especially in public speaking and communicating with others. Engaging with supervisors, colleagues, and other students through the internship helped me improve my communication skills and build confidence. This experience also encouraged me to take on more leadership roles at school. The internship opened doors for new opportunities and helped me see my own potential.

Returning to the internship for a second year allowed me to expand my network even further and strengthen my professional skills. Most importantly, the internship allowed me to connect with a diverse group of students and professionals. Building these relationships expanded my network and exposed me to different perspectives and skills. Overall, this opportunity not only improved my communication abilities but also shaped my confidence, leadership, and professional growth.

Anahi, Senior at Washington Unified School District

My journey began in the summer of 2024, when I was sixteen. In my first year, I interned with Home Run, gaining skills and 6 micro-credentials that proved my mastery in those skills. I was also able to secure a position as a Home Run Promoter, my first job. I helped over 100 people sign up for our college savings program, facilitated training for 120 interns, and managed their website and social media, and other duties that allowed me to give back to the community.

In 2025, I participated in my second year of the internship program with a position at the Washington District Summer Institute, teaching English to recently immigrated children and working with neurodiverse students, which enhanced my empathy. These experiences were essential in my acceptance to my dream college and scholarship applications.

I'm grateful for this program because it has shaped my professional and personal growth. Now, I will continue my journey on August 10, studying abroad, majoring in international relations. All this has been possible because of the internship program. These experiences shaped not only my professional future, but also my persona.