Velocity Summer Internship Program

Now in its 5th year, the Velocity Summer Student Internship Program is a program dedicated to partnering local high school students with local companies based on the students' career interests.

Summer 2026 Application

Student Application

Application deadline is Sunday, April 5 at 11:59pm.

Business Application

Application deadline is Friday, April 10 at 11:59pm.

2026 Program Details

Students:

The Velocity Summer Student Internship Program is open to incoming high school seniors, graduating class of 2027.
Students must live in Vista or attend a school that's part of the Vista Unified School District.
The Vista Chamber of Commerce covers the interns' pay for up to 100 hours.
Internship hours must be completed between June 10 - August 9, 2026.
Students must attend an orientation (date TBD) with chamber staff prior to interview process.
Internship placements will be assigned following interviews in April/May.
Intern's schedule is subject to company needs.

Businesses:

Businesses must be members of the Vista Chamber of Commerce.

Businesses must provide the student a position with valuable insight in the industry desired.

Businesses interview students and select intern, as would with any other position.

Businesses must assign the intern's work schedule and keep track of their hours to not go over the 100 hours.

Summer 2026 Application

Student Application

Application deadline is Sunday, April 5 at 11:59pm.

Business Application

Application deadline is Friday, April 10 at 11:59pm.

Summer 2022 Internship Participants

Summer 2023 Internship Particpants

Summer 2024 Internship Participants

Summer 2025 Internship Participants

Read testimonials from our participants:

Boys & Girls Club of Vista

During this past summer, we had the priviledge of working with three interns who were supporting our Development Team as a part of the 2023 Velocity Summer Internship Program run by the Vista Chamber of Commerce. Each intern completed a total of 100 hours and made immense strides during their time with our organization. They each had a specific focus ranging from Events to Community Outreach to Administrative where they were tasked daily with new projects and goals to work towards. Due to the size of our Development Team, I couldn't have done it without them, the value and capacity that they were able to add during their time with us was extremely valuable. In return they were able to improve their professional communication skills and see the impact of their work in real time, which they will reap the benefits of for years to come. We are overjoyed to share that they will also be returning in this Fall to continue as volunteers for our organization to enhance their resumes and college applications.

Sierra Loredo

Community Engagement Director

AWR Racing, Inc.

The internship program has undoubtedly been a transformative experience for our interns. [The Vista Chamber's] guidance and support throughout the program have been instrumental in their development, and we are truly thankful for that. The interns had the privilege of working on projects that not only honed their skills but also directly contributed to the advancement of the city's initiatives. This experience has ignited a passion for community involvement and sustainable development among our interns.

As the summer draws to a close, I want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the entire internship coordination team at the Chamber of Commerce. Your dedication to nurturing young talent and providing them with a platform to thrive is commendable. The impact of this program will be felt not only in the professional trajectories of our interns but also in the growth of our community as a whole.

Ali Woodford

Director of Marketing and Business Development

Recognitions

The Velocity Summer Internship Program has received an Award of Excellence from the San Diego North Economic Development Council!

The Velocity Summer Internship Program was awarded at the WACE Conference in February 2025 for Outstanding Chamber Program.

For any questions, email workforce@vistachamber.org

The Velocity Summer Student Internship Program is a partnership with the Vista Unified School District.