The Santa Cruz County government meeting on July 19, 2025, featured a discussion with Deputy County Manager Mauricio Chavez and Assistant Finance Director Maria I. Martinez, focusing on the experiences of local high school graduates participating in a summer internship program.

During the meeting, two recent graduates shared their plans for the future and the impact of their internship. One graduate expressed excitement about attending FEMA Community College to study liberal arts and communications, with aspirations of becoming a reporter. The other graduate plans to attend Northern Arizona University, majoring in biomedical sciences, with a specific interest in dermatology and ambitions to pursue advanced degrees at an Ivy League school.

Both interns highlighted the value of the internship, noting it has significantly improved their communication skills and provided them with networking opportunities within the community. They expressed gratitude for the support from the Gear Up program and the county's Board of Supervisors, which funded the internship initiative.

The discussion also touched on the interns' personal preferences, including their favorite coffee choices, adding a light-hearted element to the meeting. Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of community support for educational programs and the positive impact of internships on students' career aspirations.