Kaiser Permanente Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP)

The Kaiser Permanente Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) offers internship opportunities for high school and college students to gain hands-on work experience within administrative positions in the health care field. Designed to foster personal and professional growth, SYEP equips participants with real-world skills, health care insight, and meaningful connections. The program is available to all residents of Southern California (SCAL) and Hawaii

High School Internship

The High School Internship Program is designed for high school students seeking to explore the health care field and build foundational workplace skills. This is a paid, part-time (20 hours per week) internship lasting 6-8 weeks between the summer months of June and August. We work closely with schools and community partners to recruit students from the communities Kaiser Permanente serves.

 

Program Details

Internship Experience

• Exposure to administrative, clerical, and health care support roles.
• Participation in a weekly educational session designed to build knowledge, confidence, career readiness, and exposure to career paths in health care.
• Tasks that provide real-world insights into the health care field, laying the foundation for future success in education and careers.

 

Internship Outcomes

• Develop key professional skills.
• Gain networking experience.
• Exposure to mentors in a variety of health care careers.

Application Process

• We work with community partners to recruit high school and college interns

Criteria & Eligibility Requirements

• MUST reside in the communities close to the medical center to which they are applying.
• Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• 16 years or older.
  • Priority is given to 11th and 12th-grade students.
  • Some sites may accept 10th-grade applicants.
• Cannot be a dependent of a Kaiser Permanente employee nor PMG physicians.
  • Dependents will be disqualified and removed from the program if identified.
• MUST be available to work part-time (20 hours per week) for the entire length of the summer program.
  • Hours are typically, Monday - Friday, 8am - 12pm (May differ by medical center).
• Students under age 18 must submit a valid work permit covering the entire length of the Program. The permit must be received prior to the start of the Program.

** APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE ARE NOT ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. **

 

College Internship Program

College internships are full-time, paid opportunities lasting 8 weeks during the summer months of June - August. The internship provides advanced learning and professional development. Placement locations include various Kaiser Permanente sites across Southern California and Hawaii.

The College Internship Program consists of three distinct tracks:

• Administrative Internships: Gain real-world experience in health care administration and support services.
• Apothecary Circle Program: Designed for undergraduate students aspiring to pursue a career in pharmacy.
  • Students currently enrolled in a pharmacy school are not eligible.
• Clinical Laboratory Scientist Program (California only): A hands-on opportunity for undergraduate students interested in clinical laboratory science.

Internship Experience

• Take on meaningful projects that impact Kaiser Permanente and its members.
• Mentorship and networking with health care professionals.
• Gain preparation for a career in the health care field.
• Professional and personal development workshops.

Program Partnerships

We collaborate with several organizations to enhance recruitment and support for students, including but not limited to:

• INROADS
• Health Career Connections (HCC)
• LA Promise Fund
• United Way of Greater Los Angeles

College Application Process

• We work with our partners to recruit a majority of our interns.
• Applications will open in March for a selected number of postings

Eligibility Requirements

• MUST reside in the communities close to the KP facilities to which they are applying.
• Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States.
• Current student enrolled at a college, university, or vocational/trade school at the time of application, or within one academic year of bachelor's graduation.
  • Students who have started Graduate-level/post bachelor's program may not be eligible.
• Unofficial transcripts required.
• Between the ages of 18-25 .
  • 18-28 for community college or vocational/trade students.
• Must be available to work full-time (40 hours per week) for the full length of the internship.
  • Hours are typically, Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm (May differ by KP facility).

** APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT MEET ALL REQUIREMENTS LISTED ABOVE ARE NOT ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. **

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will I be working?

• High School Interns: Locations are across Southern California and Hawaii medical centers.
• College Interns: Placements vary by track and location availability.

Can I request to work at a specific site?

• High School Interns: No, placements are based on site availability and program needs.
• College Interns: No, placements are based on availability and program needs, but efforts are made to match interns with opportunities at relevant locations.

How long is the internship?

• High School Interns: 6-8 weeks depending on site and academic calendar, part-time (20 hours per week).
• College Interns: 8 weeks, full-time (40 hours per week).

Can I apply if I am a dependent of a Kaiser Permanente employee or Physician (High School Only)?

No. Dependents of Kaiser Permanente employees and physicians are not eligible for the high school internship.

Can I participate in the program more than once?

• High School Interns: No, high school interns may only participate once but are encouraged to apply for the college internship once eligible.
• College Interns: Yes, returning college interns are encouraged to reapply, but placement is not guaranteed.

Work Permit (Under 18)

If you will be enrolled in high school for fall 2025 and selected to the program, prior to the start of the program, you must provide a work permit to the On-Site Coordinator at the site you were hired.

High school graduates from the graduating class of 2024, who are 17 years of age and older, are not required to submit a work permit.

Hiring Process

If selected and hired, you will work with KP's Talent Acquisition team to complete all onboarding procedures before the internship start date, which may include:

• Willingness to complete a drug screening test
  • Failure to pass will result in ineligibility from the program.
  • Under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must be present
• If age 18 or over by June 1st, candidates must pass a standard background check.
• Complete all employee health requirements and screenings,
  • A tuberculosis (TB) test may be needed which requires two separate visits to a KP facility to complete the test.

Vacation

Vacation requests may not be accommodated and are subject to approval by the site coordinator and supervisor, depending on the program and operational needs.

Vacation and holidays for interns in the summer program do not qualify for paid time off.

Dress Code

Interns are expected to dress professionally and in business appropriate attire. Some departments may also have uniform requirements.