Key takeaways
California is leading the way in workforce development, particularly in the health sector, under Governor Gavin Newsom's administration. With significant investments and innovative internship programs, the state is preparing students and career changers for impactful careers in health and social services. This initiative not only addresses current workforce shortages but also aims to tackle pressing public health challenges.
- California has launched a $1.4 billion initiative to train 25,000 new community health workers and expand residency slots for primary care physicians (2023).
- Internships in California are designed as pathways to long-term careers, providing students with real-world experience and professional networking opportunities.
- The state awarded $2 million in grants to expand training in allied health roles, highlighting the commitment to workforce development (2025).
- Students are encouraged to tailor their resumes and seek mentorship, as many internships offer stipends and direct hiring pipelines post-graduation.
Contents
- 1 What is Governor Newsom’s Vision for Health Workforce Development?
- 2 What Internship Programs are Available for Students in California?
- 3 How is California Addressing the Opioid Crisis Through Workforce Development?
- 4 What Opportunities Exist for Interns in California’s Health Sector?
- 5 What Future Trends Should Be Expected in California’s Workforce Development?
California is at the forefront of reimagining how young people, students, and career changers prepare for the future. Under the leadership of Governor Gavin Newsom, the state is making bold investments in workforce development—especially in critical sectors like health care. If you’re a student considering a career in health or social impact, California may be the best place to start. Here’s how internships and hands-on opportunities are shaping the next generation of workers—and what it means for you.
What is Governor Newsom’s Vision for Health Workforce Development?
“California has taken out a $3.44 billion loan *Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation to close a $2.8 billion budget gap in the state’s Medicaid services and ensure coverage through June”
Governor Newsom has been clear: California needs a resilient, diverse, and highly trained health workforce to tackle current and future public health challenges. His administration launched a $1.4 billion initiative to support this goal—known as the California Health and Human Services Workforce Development Plan. This plan focuses on:
- Training 25,000 new community health workers
- Expanding residency slots for primary care physicians
- Increasing support for mental health professionals and addiction specialists
- Offering incentives for working in underserved communities
What Internship Programs are Available for Students in California?
California offers dozens of structured internships, many of which are state-funded and paid. Some standout options include:
| Internship Program | Who It’s For? | Benefits |
| CalHealthCares | Health care students & residents | Loan repayment, stipends |
| California Student Aid Commission Internships | College students | Paid internships, policy experience |
| Department of Public Health Internships | Public health majors | Real-world project work |
| CalHR Student Assistant Program | Any student | Work in state agencies while studying |
Many of these programs also offer a direct hiring pipeline after graduation.
What Benefits Do Internships Provide for Future Careers?
Governor Newsom’s administration treats internships as entry points to long-term careers—not just resume fillers. Internships in state health agencies, hospitals, and nonprofit clinics allow students to:
- Gain real clinical or policy experience
- Develop professional networks
- Explore specialties before committing to a career path
- Work with mentors who guide their development
Internships are also increasingly tied to college credit or pathway programs for high-need sectors like nursing and behavioral health.
How is California Addressing the Opioid Crisis Through Workforce Development?
One of the most urgent challenges Governor Newsom is tackling is the opioid epidemic, particularly with fentanyl-related deaths on the rise. Workforce development plays a big role in this fight. California has invested in:
- Training addiction counselors through programs like the Behavioral Health Workforce Expansion Project
- Deploying peer recovery specialists in schools, clinics, and correctional facilities
- Funding cross-sector collaborations between health, law enforcement, and education
Interns are often placed into projects directly addressing substance abuse prevention, data analysis, and crisis outreach.
What Opportunities Exist for Interns in California’s Health Sector?
The state offers opportunities at all levels—from high school seniors to graduate students. Whether you’re planning to become a nurse, therapist, epidemiologist, or case manager, you’ll find programs like:
- Public Health Pathways internships through CDPH
- Health Career Connection (HCC) summer fellowships
- Internships with Kaiser Permanente, Blue Shield of California, and Sutter Health
These programs often include training in health equity, telehealth, and multilingual care delivery, making interns valuable assets from day one.
What Types of Internships Are Offered Specifically for Health Care Students?
These internships aren’t just about shadowing professionals. They’re part of a broader strategy to address workforce shortages, improve access to care in underserved communities, and prepare students for long-term success in a competitive, fast-evolving field.
The California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) plays a major role in this effort, partnering with schools, hospitals, and public health agencies to provide real-world experience. These internships often come with financial support, placement guidance, and access to future employment pipelines.
| Program / Organization | Target Group | Internship Focus | Example Location |
| UCSF Clinical Internship | Undergrad pre-med/nursing | Clinical rotations, EHR systems | UCSF Medical Center |
| California Pathways into Public Health | MPH/Public Health students | Community health, equity | LA County Dept. of Health |
| HCAI Behavioral Health Workforce Development | Psychology, MSW, counseling | Mental health, therapy assistance | Statewide |
| Health Career Connection | High school & undergrad students | General exposure, mentorship | Sacramento, San Diego |
| CalHealthCares Telehealth Placements | Med/dental students | Digital care delivery, compliance | Federally Qualified Clinics |
How Can Interns Gain Hands-on Experience in California’s Health Sector?
Experience is everything—and California’s model is built on applied learning. Interns:
- Shadow health care providers and public health officials
- Conduct outreach and education in schools and shelters
- Analyze health data and recommend policy changes
- Assist in vaccination drives, mental health first aid, or overdose response efforts
Some internships even rotate students through different departments, so they understand the ecosystem as a whole.
What Are the Success Stories Related to Health Internships under Governor Newsom?
In June 2025, the state awarded $2 million in new grants to expand training in allied health roles such as pharmacy techs and medical assistants. One of the largest recipients was the San Diego State University Research Foundation, which is using the funds to scale up real-world clinical training opportunities.
Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Career Education and the California Jobs First initiative are helping scale programs like the High Road Training Partnerships, which have received over $370 million in state funding since 2014. These programs are designed to connect students directly to healthcare employers and prioritize equity in job access.
What Future Trends Should Be Expected in California’s Workforce Development?
“Not sure if it’s a future career but doubt it’s going away any time soon”
Looking ahead, California is focusing on:
- AI and tech integration in health care delivery
- More multilingual and culturally competent internship programs
- Climate health jobs related to emergency response and environmental justice
- Expanding internships into K–12 pipelines through Career Technical Education (CTE) tracks
Governor Newsom’s vision is about building resilient, adaptive careers—not just filling jobs.
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Top Tips from Our Expert
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Ana Lucía Torres, Senior Learning Advisor
Sources: Office of Governor Gavin Newsom, EDD, CalMatters, LWDA, CWDB, Reddit
