Internships at MiraCosta College are designed to provide students with invaluable workplace exposure, enhancing their skills and competencies. This initiative is not only about earning college credits but is a comprehensive educational strategy that aligns with the students’ academic and career aspirations. 

Through the Learning Aligned Employment Program (LAEP), funded by a generous 10-year grant from the California Student Aid Commission, MiraCosta can subsidize a significant portion of internship salaries. This enables students to engage in meaningful work that complements their studies without the added financial burden.

LAEP aims to establish educationally beneficial internship placements directly related to students’ fields of study, facilitating a smoother transition to full-time employment upon graduation. This program underscores the college’s dedication to fostering professional growth and career readiness among its students.

MiraCosta College's approach to internships and co-ops benefits many stakeholders. Students gain a tangible connection between their academic pursuits and practical application in the workplace. Employers benefit from the fresh perspectives and energy of MiraCosta students, who contribute significantly to the workforce. Internships enhance the connection between educational institutions and the business community while reinforcing the workforce pipeline with well-prepared individuals.

Success stories include students like Matthew Robinson and Minerva Martinez. Robinson, a talented student in film and photography, secured a $20-an-hour internship at the college, which not only paid a competitive wage but also provided him with the platform to win a prestigious contest by the University of Southern California Race and Equity Center. Similarly, Martinez’s internship experience was transformative, prompting a switch in her major to sociology with a focus on social work, fueled by her desire to impact the lives of the homeless and impoverished positively. 

Nina Lovejoy, employment services program manager at MiraCosta College, highlighted the extensive array of over 780 internship opportunities available, both paid and unpaid. Lovejoy states, "Internships are a critical part of confirming one's career path. They provide students with real-world confirmation that their chosen careers align with their expectations and values."

MiraCosta College invites local businesses and organizations to engage with this vibrant educational community by offering internship opportunities. Learn more. 

April may be Internship Awareness Month, but at MiraCosta College, the benefits and opportunities provided by internships are celebrated and optimized all year round.