County of San Mateo Jobs for Youth 

Mariela H., 21 years old
The County of San Mateo Jobs for Youth (JFY) program provides support for youth via four pillars of success—career workshops; employment/volunteer opportunities; Summer Internship Program; and access to the Al Teglia higher education scholarship. We would like to highlight one outstanding youth in particular.

Mariela H. is a compassionate, driven young adult. Mariela recently received her associate's degree in data science from the City College of San Francisco, and she will be attending a four-year university to continue studying data science along with urban sciences and social policy. Mariela spent the past two summers supporting the County Executive’s Office as a JFY Summer Intern, where she demonstrated not only her growing technical skills but also her strong commitment to public service. Her dedication, intellect, and perseverance left a lasting impression on everyone she worked with. We are incredibly proud to have honored her as a 2025 JFY Al Teglia Scholar.

"I'm writing to express my deepest gratitude for your contributions, which have allowed me to be a recipient of the Jobs for Youth Al Teglia Award. Your contributions will undoubtedly help me through my educational journey and achieve my academic aspirations.

As a first-generation college student, navigating college has been a lonely journey. Being the first in my family to pursue higher education, I've met the financial barriers that college carries. As a community college student, that decision helped me alleviate the costs by staying close to home. However, as I prepare to transfer to a 4-year university, I face impending costs that will burden my family. This scholarship will significantly reduce my financial burdens as I transfer to the University of California. Not only will it lessen my financial need, but it will also help me concentrate more on my studies rather than work to sustain myself."

Supported Training & Employment Program

Lorena Sterne Aguilar, 21
The Supported Training & Employment Program (STEP), managed by the Human Resources Department and Human Services Agency with local nonprofits, prepares foster youth ages 18–27 in San Mateo County for the workforce. Interns gain hands-on County experience and mentoring to build job skills, with many advancing to college, promotions, or new roles.

Lorena, a standout participant, has overcome significant personal challenges with resilience and determination. Pursuing a Fire Technology major at College of San Mateo and Cañada College, she aspires to become a firefighter. Currently interning at San Mateo Medical Center – Patient Access, she is valued for her reliability, compassion, and teamwork. Lorena actively mentors other foster youth, sharing advice and encouragement. Her strong work ethic, empathy, and dedication to community service make her an asset in any environment, embodying the program’s mission of empowering youth to achieve academic, career, and personal success.

Big Lift Inspiring Summers

San Mateo County Libraries celebrated their 10th anniversary of Big Lift Inspiring Summers, enrolling 1,005 children entering kindergarten to third grade at seven school districts in San Mateo County for Summer 2025. The program provides the highest-need youth with high quality summer experiences. Youth engaged in rich literacy instruction and hands-on, child-directed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) activities. Participants also experienced three field trips this summer--to a San Mateo County Park, a local museum, and their community public library.

"My daughter really enjoyed all the activities and field trips especially the behind the scenes tour of the library. The activities seemed to have the perfect blend of engagement, provoking curiosity, and education. I am confident she'll do great in kindergarten and look forward to signing up next summer!" 

Climate Ambassadors

Emma Kim, 15 years old
Emma Kim joined the Youth Climate Ambassadors program in October 2024, eager to take part in local climate action. Over seven months, she engaged in readings, discussions, and a student-led Community Impact Project. Knowing buildings and transportation are major greenhouse gas sources in San Mateo County, Emma helped design a clean energy workshop for young children. Her team created educational materials, secured a venue, and taught hands-on activities to inspire sustainable living. Through the program, Emma built confidence, leadership, and public speaking skills, culminating in two successful workshops in Pacifica. In recognition of her work, she presented her project to the County Board of Supervisors for Earth Day 2025. The experience has deeply influenced Emma’s interest in sustainability and shaped her vision for future climate advocacy.

Live in Peace Hoover Fellows Summer Internship Program

Kayla Quiroz, 22 years old
HR partners with the County Executive’s Office and Live in Peace (LIP), a nonprofit in East Palo Alto, to support the Students With Amazing Goals (SWAG) program. SWAG helps at-risk middle and high school youth in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park build job readiness, improve school engagement, and reduce truancy and delinquency through mentoring, tutoring, and life coaching. The program focuses on students in the Sequoia Union High School District who struggle in traditional educational settings. As part of this effort, the Live in Peace Hoover Fellow (LIPHF) Program offers selected students a seven-week summer internship in County departments. Each week includes a structured learning activity, and the program concludes with a recognition ceremony in August.