SFPUC reports on summer youth employment: more than 500 youth served and $150,000 in project-based grants awarded

Commission staff told the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission that the agency’s summer youth employment efforts reached more than 500 young people this year as part of a broader city effort to place 6,000 youth. The Board of Supervisors allocated about $1,400,000 in SFPUC budget add‑backs to support youth employment strategies over two years.

Kaye Fernandez summarized the PUC’s effort to leverage existing programs and a new competitive grant strategy. Staff released a request for project‑based learning grants and awarded up to $150,000 to 10 local nonprofits, which supported an additional 277 youth. Nonprofit partners and interns who participated in the commission meeting described hands‑on activities such as watershed tours, wastewater facility visits, and capstone projects designed to connect environmental stewardship and career pathways.

Speakers included Nate David of Lyric, who highlighted an environmental justice project for LGBT youth with tours and multimedia projects, and DJ Brooker of Young Community Developers, who reported growth in the Southeast SSIP internship from 15 to 30 interns with a high return rate. Several interns from Project Pull described giving tours on the SFPUC first floor and running interactive activities that aim to engage peers.

Commissioners asked whether internships have pathways to long‑term jobs; AECOM representatives said their firms maintain broader internship programs and that some interns have been hired for projects. Staff said they will continue to track outcomes through web portals and follow‑up processes.

The commission acknowledged the presentations and asked staff to include lessons learned in next year’s budget planning and program design.