HIGH SCHOOL PRE-APPRENTICESHIP

OakTown Leaders

A paid pathway that prepares Oakland high school students for careers in education while earning college credit and real classroom experience.

Apply to OakTown Leaders →

2

Paid Summer Internships

12

ECE College Units

$300+

Course Stipends

✔

Career Pathway

Start Your Journey in Education

OakTown Leaders is Oakland Unified School District's pre-apprenticeship program for current high school students who are interested in careers in education and community leadership.

Through dual enrollment college courses, paid internships, and mentorship, students gain valuable experience while building a strong foundation for future careers serving Oakland's children and families.

Graduates leave the program with college credit, professional experience, and a direct pathway into educator careers with OUSD.

OakTown Leaders program logo

Program Benefits

🎓 College Courses

Complete dual enrollment coursework while attending high school.

💵 Paid Stipends

Receive increasing stipends for each successfully completed college course.

☀️ Paid Internships

Gain meaningful work experience through paid summer internships.

🤝 Student Support

Academic advising, tutoring, books, laptops, and individualized case management throughout the program.

OakTown Leaders students participating in a classroom lesson with their instructor

COLLEGE COURSEWORK

Earn College Credit While in High School

Students complete one dual enrollment college course each semester while still enrolled in high school, earning Early Childhood Education units that count toward future educator permits.

  • ✔ One dual enrollment college course every semester
  • ✔ Earn up to 12 Early Childhood Education units
  • ✔ College credits transferable toward educator pathways
An OakTown Leader supporting children as they observe a classroom habitat and complete an activity together

PAID INTERNSHIPS

Gain Real Classroom Experience

Apprentices participate in two paid summer internships, working alongside educators while developing leadership, communication, and professional skills.

  • ✔ Two paid summer internships
  • ✔ $1,000 stipend each summer
  • ✔ Hands-on experience working with children
  • ✔ Mentorship from experienced educators

Who Can Apply?

Current Oakland Unified School District high school students interested in education, leadership, and serving their community.

What You'll Earn

After Graduation

OakTown Leaders — Oakland Unified School District

Inside OakTown Leaders

From celebrating graduation to supporting young learners, OakTown Leaders build skills, friendships, and confidence with a community of peers and mentors beside them.

Two OakTown Leaders graduates smiling in caps and gowns at their graduation ceremony
Celebrating Achievement Honoring hard work and the next step toward a future in education.
OakTown Leaders holding up their program shirts and sweatshirt together outdoors
A Community to Belong To Sharing OakTown pride and building connections along the way.
An OakTown Leader helping young children with an art activity around a classroom table
Learning by Doing Putting new skills into practice while supporting young learners.
OakTown Leaders cohort and mentors gathered for a group photo in a classroom
Growing Together Learning alongside peers and mentors who support every next step.

Become an OakTown Leader

Take your first step toward a career in education through college coursework, paid internships, mentorship, and real classroom experience.

Apply Today