A new California State Parks and Parks California grant program will bring paid internships and hands-on career training to high school students connected to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, according to East County Magazine.

The $2.4 million statewide Career Pathways grant program is intended to prepare more than 350 participants for work in parks and public lands management. In East County, the Borrego Village Association was selected as an implementation grantee, meaning it will help provide multi-month training programs at Anza-Borrego.

East County Magazine reported that participants are expected to get field-based learning and industry-recognized certifications. The broader program includes paid wages, skill-building in areas such as wildfire resilience, trail work, habitat restoration and visitor services, plus support for equipment, meals and travel.

For Santee and East County families, the story is less about a distant state program and more about local access to outdoor careers. Anza-Borrego is one of the region's signature public lands, and workforce programs there can give inland students a clearer path into conservation, tourism and public service jobs.

The current grant cycle builds on earlier Career Pathways funding, with State Parks indicating support will continue through 2029. East County Magazine has the full report on the statewide grantees and local Borrego connection.