Undoubtedly, the young talent emerging from our local universities will leave the world in a better state than when they found it. Through career-focused internships, hands-on field studies, transformative research opportunities, and guidance from exceptional mentors, these students are prepared to excel in the workforce and create meaningful, lasting change. The CITRIS Workforce Innovation Program is just one of these life-changing programs, providing students with the tools to succeed in the fields of aviation, climate and energy, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence (AI), and more! The Santa Cruz Works team is no stranger to the feats of the CITRIS program, having reported on their groundbreaking seed-funding and fellowship programs within the last few years!

CITRIS is available to students from all majors and divisions attending UC Berkeley, Davis, Merced, and Santa Cruz. Roughly 100 interns are matched with potential host organizations once they apply and are selected following a series of interviews. These placements can be with on- or off-campus labs and last approximately eight weeks in the summer months. The placements of UC Santa Cruz and Davis students stretch from June to August, while UC Berkley and Merced students’ placements last from May to August. Those who are accepted and successfully placed are awarded $7,500 as compensation for their time, with some host organizations offering additional financial aid depending on the circumstances. The 2025 cohort is accepting applications on a rolling basis, as their priority deadline closed on October 30th. More information regarding CITRIS timelines, expectations, and other frequently asked questions can be found on their website.

Not only can students take advantage of the wonderful opportunities that CITRIS has to offer, but so can companies looking to host an intern! A 2022 article published by our team details all the qualifications host organizations need to meet to be paired with talented students in this program. In doing this, CITRIS successfully bridges the often daunting gap between academia and industry, fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between students and employers.

CITRIS in Action: Shipra Ithal and Joby Aviation

I’m sure Joby Aviation captured your attention! This familiar face happens to be one of CITRIS’s host organizations, collaborating with UC Santa Cruz students to create new career pathways in aviation and cybersecurity. Shipra Ithal, a senior at UC Santa Cruz graduating with a degree in computer engineering, seized the opportunity to work with Joby this past summer as an Information Technology Security Intern.

Shipra Ithal, UCSC undergraduate student and previous Information Technology Security Intern at Joby Aviation.

Before working with Joby, Ithal did not have experience in the realm of cybersecurity. However, her background in computer engineering and multiple coding languages helped her quickly grasp the ropes of web proxy configuration, reverse proxy, and network security. The CITRIS program’s accessibility to all students, regardless of their major or previous experience, helps students like Ithal reach their fullest potential. Through this opportunity, she was able to develop both a network intrusion detection system and a web proxy server for Joby Aviation, an impressive feat for a recent college graduate.

In an article published by UC Santa Cruz, Ithal was reported as saying, “At Joby Aviation, the projects I worked on were being used and actually made an impact. Being part of that, and solving complex problems, was super fulfilling.”

Ithal and her peers who participated in The CITRIS Workforce Innovation Program have been well-prepared to make waves in whichever fields they pursue. Likewise, Joby Aviation and other participating host organizations are directly shaping the budding workforce of young professionals, ensuring they have the means to lead and collaborate effectively. This dynamic partnership between students and local companies promises a symbiotic relationship where businesses gain fresh perspectives, and future professionals are empowered to succeed.

How CITRIS and Joby Aviation Empower the Next Generation of Innovators