About
Founded in 2022, the Live in Peace Hoover Fellow Program (LIPHF) is San Mateo County’s newest internship program. Sponsored by the County Executive’s Office and managed by the Human Resources Department, San Mateo County has officially partnered with Live in Peace (LIP) an East Palo Alto non-profit educational service provider who helps create pathways of success for at-risk youth in East Palo Alto and East Menlo Park. This program is designed to train and prepare at-risk youth ages 18 and up for their transition into workforce and help these young adults develop new skills and work experience.
In partnership with LIP, San Mateo County provides up to 15 internship opportunities each summer. These students are selected to participate in an 8-week cohort working in different departments throughout San Mateo County. Each week there is a learning activity that is coordinated for the interns. At the end of the 8 weeks, students will attend a recognition ceremony at the completion of their internship.
Internship Information
Requirements:
-
18 years or older
- Must be a Live in Peace member and referred by Live in Peace to participate
Components:
- Welcome kickoff
- Lunch and Learn sessions: Lunch and Learn sessions give interns the chance to hear directly from department heads across the county, offering an inside look at the wide range of services, resources, and responsibilities within local government. These sessions provide valuable context on how different departments operate and how they contribute to serving the community. By engaging with leaders from across the county, interns gain exposure to various career paths, expand their understanding of public service, and see firsthand the many ways their skills and interests can align with future opportunities.
- Regional learning forums sessions: As part of their internship experience, LIPHF’s engage in a series of regional learning forums designed to expand their professional skills and deepen their understanding of public service. These sessions bring together interns from public agencies across San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, creating a unique opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and learn how different agencies operate.
- Facilitated Tours: Interns take part in experiential learning opportunities through guided tours of County facilities. These tours provide an inside look at how departments operate, highlight progressive programs in action, and demonstrate government’s role in creating community impact. By seeing facilities firsthand, interns broaden their understanding of public service, connect their work experience to real-world applications, and gain insight into the wide range of services and career pathways the County offers.
- 1:1 Check-in's: Interns participate in regular one-on-one check-ins with program staff to discuss their progress, address questions, and identify any support they may need during their internship. These sessions provide a dedicated space for personalized guidance, reflection, and problem-solving, helping interns navigate challenges, celebrate successes, and maximize their learning and professional growth throughout the program.
- Recognition ceremony: At the conclusion of the program, interns are celebrated during a recognition ceremony where they receive certificates of completion. This event honors their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments throughout the internship, providing an opportunity for reflection, acknowledgment, and celebration of their professional growth.
Duration: 8 weeks (June - August)
Hours: flexible (20 to 30 hours per week)
Location: Throughout San Mateo County
I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Human Resources Department. I was met with helpful and inspiring individuals who went above and beyond to share their knowledge and guide me. This internship provided me with hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of public service that I will carry with me. It was truly a summer I couldn’t have asked for, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have been a part of two such remarkable teams.
-Laura Gaytan
Human Resources Department
My internship with San Mateo County has been an incredible opportunity to learn and grow while serving my community. Working with the Arts and Culture Department, the Office of Community Affairs, and the Racial and Social Justice Department has given me hands on experience in creating meaningful change and amplifying diverse voices. This experience has strengthened my leadership and communication skills, while deepening my understanding of how local government can make a positive impact.
-Stanley Logwood
County of Executive Office
Throughout my internship this summer, the Sustainability Department gave me great exposure. I had the chance to be apart of environmental inspections, shadow meetings and work for future outreach. The hands-on experience I gained this summer, I plan to carry on in my own career in advertising.
-Jenna M Menifee
Office of Sustainability
This internship has had a great impact on me in many ways, one of which is that I was able to hit the ground running since I was able to learn a lot about the whole process of what it's like applying for a local government job, knowing what papers to get notarized, and staying on top of tasks. I was able to learn, adapt, and navigate the work I had to do.
-Jesus Landa
Public Safety Communications
I am extremely thankful for San Mateo County’s collaboration with Live in Peace in creating this internship program. This opportunity further developed my skills and experiences that I can use as I finish college and move into the workforce. It was amazing seeing everything the county does for the community and getting to meet all the wonderful staff that are always willing to help.
-Yarley De La Luz-Sanchez
Department of Housing