ANTIOCH, CA – The City of Antioch announced the launch of Cohort IV of the SOAR (Stand Out, Achieve & Rise) Internship Program, a transformative initiative providing paid, hands-on work experience for Antioch’s young adults facing barriers to employment.
Launched in 2023 and originally known as the Mayor’s Apprenticeship Program, SOAR is designed for youth aged 18–24 who have experienced systemic challenges such as justice involvement, housing instability, or foster care. With an 80%+ completion rate to date, the program is now recognized as a model for inclusive workforce development in local government.
At the heart of the program is a powerful collaboration with Rubicon Programs, a community-based nonprofit that delivers intensive career readiness training, case management, and wraparound support. Rubicon’s deep commitment has helped ensure that youth are not only ready to work, but ready to thrive.
“We are not simply placing interns. We are shifting narratives about who belongs in government and who deserves a chance,” said Monserrat Cabral, Acting Director of Public Safety and Community Resources for the City of Antioch. “This is equity in action.”
SOAR interns begin with a robust three-week training led by Rubicon Programs before being matched with departments and partner organizations, including Animal Services, Parks & Recreation, Monument Impact, and most recently, Tri Delta Transit.
Interns from Cohort IV have been placed in a growing network of host sites, including City departments like Animal Services, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation, as well as community-based organizations such as Monument Impact and Bridge Builders to the New Generation. This year, the program expanded further to include new regional partners like Tri Delta Transit, reflecting a broader commitment from public agencies and nonprofits to invest in local talent. Interns are actively supporting a range of roles, from marketing and operations to youth engagement and administrative services. “Tri Delta Transit is a community-based organization dedicated to providing mobility options for the communities we serve,” stated Rashidi Barnes, CEO of Tri Delta Transit. “This is just one aspect of our mission. We are also an essential employer in the area that provides the opportunity to work and live locally, earning a livable wage. With that, we participate in a program that provides valuable job experience that uplifts our youth. The partnership between the City of Antioch and Tri Delta Transit is a critical part of the welfare of the community.”
The SOAR program, initially launched with ARPA funds in 2023, has since expanded through a $1.7 million investment from California Volunteers. It now serves more youth with more comprehensive wraparound support, including mentorship, coaching, and post-program transition planning.
Success stories from prior cohorts include permanent job placements, return to education, and even full-time employment offers from placement sites like Monument Impact.
City Manager Bessie Marie Scott noted, “This program is about more than employment. It’s about dignity, opportunity, and belief in our youth. SOAR is helping Antioch rise.”
The current cohort will continue through December 2025, with a public celebration of their achievements planned for the end of the year.
