The Lake County Board of Supervisors on April 22 approved revisions to the County of Lake Internship Program designed to broaden department access to interns and to create a pipeline to county employment.

Human Resources Director Pam Samek introduced the proposal and turned the presentation over to Erondie Campbell, senior HR analyst, who said the prior internship policy was outdated and discouraged departments from recruiting students because interns often did not meet minimum qualifications set for regular county positions. Campbell said the revised program is intended to provide meaningful, hands‑on experience, raise awareness of county government, help students develop skills for public‑sector careers and create potential pathways to county employment.

Board members asked whether recruitments could begin immediately for summer internships if the board approved the policy. Samek said yes: if the board approved the revisions, HR could open recruitments and departments could begin selecting interns for summer placements.

Supervisor Sabatier asked whether the program should prioritize local students and asked for stronger ties to community colleges. Directors and other supervisors suggested working with Yuba Community College and other regional colleges on a tailored academic internship pathway. The board approved the program as presented with an amendment adding a local‑preference clause: "preference for local residents" when selecting interns, and directed staff to continue developing community‑college partnerships and to return with any required addenda or cost estimates.

The motion to adopt the revised internship program as amended passed unanimously.