GGUSD Students Gain Real-World Career Experience Through Summer Internship Program

Monday, July 13, 2026

Student Aisha Muhamad with staff members from Junior Achievement

Last week, Garden Grove Unified School District (GGUSD) celebrated more than 100 Career & Technical Education (CTE) students who completed a six-week summer internship, gaining hands-on experience with more than 40 businesses, organizations and GGUSD departments. The Summer Internship Culmination Celebration, held on July 10 at Don Wash Auditorium, recognized students for completing six weeks of immersive workplace experiences where they developed professional skills, explored career interests, and gained firsthand experience working alongside industry mentors.

Before participating in the internship program, each student completed at least one year of Career Technical Education pathway coursework. During their internships, students worked alongside professionals in industries including automotive, healthcare, engineering, information technology, education, business, skilled trades and more. Students developed critical workplace skills including communication, collaboration, problem-solving, professionalism and adaptability while contributing to meaningful projects and learning from experienced professionals.

The celebration was attended by Board of Education Vice President Lan Nguyen, Trustee Teri Rocco, district leaders, industry partners, students and families. The program featured remarks from Superintendent Dr. Gabriela Mafi, Director of Career Technical Education Ulises Garcia, GGUSD Paraeducator on Special Assignment Shannon Flores, Junior Achievement Senior Development Manager Rebecca Theranciel, and student speakers Abenee Alvear, Nicholas Magaña, Daran Nguyen and Wendy Nguyen, who reflected on the valuable experiences and confidence they gained through their internships.

“Every year, this celebration reminds me just how bright the future is,” said Board of Education Vice President Lan Nguyen. “When you see our students applying their talents in real workplaces with such confidence and professionalism, you know they are ready to make a meaningful impact. I am incredibly grateful to our CTE staff and community partners for creating these life-changing opportunities.”

"This internship program gives students something that cannot be replicated in a classroom," said Board of Education Trustee Teri Rocco. "By working alongside experienced professionals, students discover their strengths, build confidence, develop the communication and teamwork skills employers value, and begin envisioning the careers they want to pursue. We are incredibly grateful to our business and community partners for investing in our students and helping prepare the next generation of leaders."

One of the highlights of this year's program was the expansion of internship opportunities within GGUSD itself. Students served alongside district employees in departments including information technology, nutrition services, maintenance and operations, to name a few as well as in classrooms during the district’s summer school programs. This gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the many careers that support student success every day. The experience also reflects GGUSD's commitment to developing homegrown talent, with the hope that many of today's interns will one day return to serve the district as teachers, counselors, engineers, technicians, administrators and other professionals.

GGUSD's Career Technical Education program offers students 15 Career Pathways aligned with California's fastest-growing and highest-demand industries. Students earn industry certifications, college credit, leadership experience and hands-on training that prepare them for success in both college and careers.