Shmunis Internship Program
Build skills. Make connections. Discover your path.
The JFCS Shmunis Internship Program (SIP) is a paid, six-week summer opportunity for high school students to gain real-world work experience, build essential professional skills, and explore their identity and values—all within a framework that reflects both Jewish and universal ethical principles, and a commitment to community responsibility.
Program Dates: June 22 – July 31, 2026
Eligibility: Qualified students entering grades 10, 11, or 12 in fall 2026
Applications for SIP 2026 are open!
Important Information and Deadlines for SIP 2026:
Early Bird Deadline: There is a $550 Early Bird Program Fee for those who apply by January 12 and are accepted into the internship program. The fee is $600 for applicants who apply AFTER January 12 and are accepted. This fee is not due at the time of submitting an application, only once the teen has been accepted into the program after March 31.
Financial Aid is available and can be requested once the teen is accepted into SIP.
Application Deadline: February 6, 2026
Teens will be notified by February 25 whether or not they have moved on to the interview process.
Teens will be notified if they have been accepted into the program on March 31, 2026.
Meaningful Internships with Real-World Impact
Thanks to generous support from the Shmunis Youth Endowment Fund, SIP is expanding access to transformative experiences for teens. Interns gain hands-on experience in fields like healthcare, business, education, tech, and environmental advocacy, with placements at JFCS offices and many other organizations across the Bay Area.
While we make every effort to match teens with positions that reflect their interests, our primary focus is creating opportunities for skill development and personal growth.
Professional and Personal Development
SIP includes a series of interactive weekly workshops that help teens grow into confident, capable, and values-driven professionals. These sessions blend career preparation with identity exploration, helping teens explore identity, purpose, and career readiness through a framework of Jewish and inclusive ethical values.
Workshop topics include:
- Diversity and inclusion in the workplace
- Exploring personal values and ethics
- Resume and cover letter writing
- Interview skills and job search strategies
- Professional communication and etiquette
- Testimony from Holocaust survivors
- Leadership, collaboration, and responsibility
Interns will also receive specialized training in emerging tools and industries, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the workplace
- Digital collaboration and productivity platforms
- Careers in innovation and social impact
Mentorship and Long-Term Support
Interns receive personalized guidance from workplace mentors, JFCS staff, and program alumni—building connections that last well beyond the summer. These relationships help teens:
- Clarify academic and career goals
- Gain confidence in professional environments
- Begin building a meaningful network
