ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: September 24, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager
DATE: September 12, 2025
SUBJECT: Agreement with California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) for a Service Learning and Internship Program
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Bakersfield (City) is one of the largest employers in Kern County and provides services to over 400,000 residents across 150 square miles. Many of the employees the City hires are graduates from our local state and community colleges. Over the last few years, the City has helped create pathways to public service by partnering with the state of California, Bakersfield College, and the Kern Community Foundation to place Interns, Fellows, and Apprentices in paid positions across the City.
California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB) is one of the largest institutions of higher education in the region. CSUB offers several courses that require students complete part -time internships or service- learning opportunities to pass their class. The goal of these req uirements is to have students apply the skills and knowledge they gained in the classroom to the real-world issues. CSUB graduates hundreds of qualified students every year that seek well-paying jobs in the public sector.
The City and CSUB have expressed a mutual inte rest in establishing a formal service learning and internship program. Through this program, CSUB students would be placed in the City Manager’s Office (CMO) to work on semester-long projects that address key City Council priorities and issues. Interns would be compensated with academic credit and support would be provided by CSUB and designated city staff.
Interns will also receive tours of city sites and have the opportunity to network with City staff and Interns, Fellows, and Apprentices from the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program.
This service learning and internship program will be managed by CMO. Interns will be compensated for their time with educational credit
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact on the General Fund. This is a no cost and a non-paid internship for service-and learning opportunities where students will receive academic credit for the work they do for the City.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Agreement
2. Exhibit A