Resources

Interns are compensated at an hourly rate, depending on their prior experience and education. Hourly rates start at the current federal contract employee minimum wage and increase depending on service level. Interns are paid bi-monthly via a third-party payroll service and are subject to federal and state income taxes on earnings.

We offer ongoing support, including mentorship, training, remote counseling services, and other resources to help you excel in your role and make the most of your internship experience.

Absolutely! Prior experience is a valuable asset, but it’s not a requirement. We value a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds.

Yes, many of our alumni have pursued successful careers in child and youth services, education, and related fields. We provide resources and guidance for career advancement.

Yes, international placements often provide unique opportunities for cultural exchange and immersion. You’ll engage with the local community and learn about their culture.

Trailblazer CYP internships require a federal background check to help keep everyone safe. This process includes three steps: digital fingerprints, Statement of Admission (SOA) and Internal Records Check (IRC) documents. Follow these helpful tips:

• Both documents are downloadable from within your application
• Complete both documents exactly like the examples given in each field
• Sign the Internal Records Check in one place: section 7c
• Sign Statement Of Admission in two places: sections 7a and 10a

Applicants submit an application online through our website, providing their relevant details and preferences. It takes about an hour of active work and total time depends on how quickly your references respond.

We aim to review applications promptly. You can expect to receive conditional admission within one week of submitting your application.

Conditional admission means you have been provisionally accepted into the program. However, you will need to pass a federal background check to be fully admitted.

You can log in to your applicant portal on our website to check the status of your application, or you can contact our team for updates.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept international applicants at this time.

While we cannot guarantee group placements, we do our best to accommodate preferences when possible. Please indicate your interest in being placed with specific individuals during the application process.

Please include your most recent academic information (anticipated graduation date, degrees, GPA) and relevant work experience. If you have worked with children, provide details about that experience. Also include any leadership positions and volunteer experience you have.

Recommenders need to have a professional or academic leadership position and a working relationship with you (not your mom or your friends). Current or former work supervisors, academic advisors, professors, or coaches can provide excellent references and speak to your ability to work hard, show up, adapt, live independently, and represent our program well. Please contact your recommenders and invite them to complete the recommendation form they will receive via email.

The background check includes completing two documents about any criminal history, reference checks, fingerprinting, and other necessary screenings to ensure the safety of the children and youth served by Trailblazer CYP interns.

Yes, fingerprints must be taken at a Fieldprint location with our program’s identification code. Fieldprint sends your fingerprints directly to the US Navy Coordination Office to begin your background check.

This is a paid academic internship, so interns complete three parts: 1. 40 hours of in-program work each week 2. One online course that supports the in-program work 3. One live Zoom class each week. You will earn credit as you complete each part successfully. After you complete the internship, you’ll receive a transcript from Utah Tech University. Please meet with your academic advisor to facilitate transferring internship credits to your school.

Currently, there are three options available: RSM 3500R, RSM 3550R, and FSHD 3995. We will work with you to determine which course will best complement your major and academic requirements.

If you are serving in a stateside location, you are required to take at least three credits. If you are serving overseas, you are required to take at least five credits. Each internship can supply up to 12 credits to maintain full-time student status for scholarship and/or financial aid purposes. Weekly coursework will be adjusted to accommodate the number of credits you choose to take.

Just leave that to us! We will enroll you in the internship course in one of two ways. If you are a current Utah Tech University student, you’ll keep your enrollment status during the internship. If you are not a Utah Tech student, you’ll be enrolled as a non-degree seeking student. Enrollment in Trailblazer CYP internships will not jeopardize your enrollment at a different university.

You will receive a transcript from Utah Tech University with your Trailblazer CYP internship credits. Please coordinate with your academic advisor before your departure date to ensure the credits will transfer to your institution. In most cases, they transfer as upper-division elective credits.

Naval Air Station Whidbey Island – Whidbey Island, Washington

Whidbey Island is in Puget Sound, just north of Seattle, Washington. The island’s rugged terrain spans beaches, hills and farmland. On its northwest tip, Deception Pass State Park offers cliff-top views, forest trails and freshwater lakes. To the south, Fort Casey Historical State Park is home to a lighthouse and gun battery. The coastal towns of Oak Harbor, Coupeville and Langley feature unique boutiques, cafes and galleries.

Naval Air Station Fallon – Fallon, Nevada

Fallon is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, nestled between wetlands swarming with birds and mountains teeming with wildlife. If it can be done outside, chances are it can be done here. Only 90 minutes from Lake Tahoe, Fallon also boasts accessibility to some of the United States’ best skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and most beautiful lake activities.

Naval Air Station Lemoore – Lemoore, California

Lemoore is a vibrant city located in Kings County and renowned for its peaceful parks, scenic vistas, and abundant entertainment options. It offers plenty of things to do for outdoor enthusiasts, from exploring Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks to kayaking on the San Joaquin River. With easy access to Fresno and other major cities like Hanford and Visalia, Lemoore makes an ideal destination for visitors seeking an unforgettable experience close to urban amenities.

Naval Base Point Loma – Point Loma, California

Point Loma is a rugged peninsula, known for Cabrillo National Monument, a park with trails, tide pools and exhibits on California history. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a popular spot to watch the sun go down while Liberty Station, a former Naval Training Center, has buzzy restaurants and shops. Seafood eateries dot the nearby Shelter and Harbor islands, and Humphreys Concerts by the Bay hosts live music.

Naval Base San Diego – San Diego, California

San Diego is a city on the Pacific coast known for its beaches, parks and warm climate. Immense Balboa Park is the site of the renowned San Diego Zoo, as well as numerous art galleries, artist studios, museums and gardens. A deep harbor is home to a large active naval fleet, with the USS Midway, an aircraft-carrier-turned-museum, open to the public.

Naval Base Coronado – Coronado Island, California

Coronado is the perfect place to swim, sail, surf, bike, run, walk, rollerblade, play tennis, golf, or take in a play. Coronado beaches are consistently considered some of Southern California’s best, and there are miles of bike paths along the coastline that provide a great way to exercise and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Enjoy a round of golf in the shadow of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course and shop locally at many unique shops, restaurants, and hotels throughout the city.

Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands – Barking Sands, Kauai, Hawaii

Kauai is part of the Hawaiian archipelago. It’s nicknamed “the Garden Isle” thanks to the tropical rainforest covering much of its surface. The dramatic cliffs and pinnacles of its Na Pali Coast have served as a backdrop for major Hollywood films, while 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon and the Nounou Trails traversing the Sleeping Giant mountain ridge are hiking destinations.

Naval Support Activity Mid-South – Millington, Tennessee

Millington is part of the Memphis, Tennessee metropolitan area Memphis is a city on the Mississippi River in southwest Tennessee, famous for delicious barbecue and the influential strains of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll that originated there. Elvis Presley, B.B. King and Johnny Cash recorded albums at the legendary Sun Studio, and Presley’s Graceland mansion is a popular attraction. Other music landmarks include the Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Blues Hall of Fame and Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Portsmouth Naval Shipyard – Portsmouth, Maine

Portsmouth is a picturesque coastal gem that splits the Maine/New Hampshire border and combines rich history with modern charm. Explore the streets of the historic downtown, where you’ll discover quaint boutiques, art galleries, and delectable dining options overlooking the scenic waterfront. Whether you’re drawn to its maritime heritage, vibrant cultural scene, or scenic beauty, Portsmouth promises a delightful experience for all who visit.

Naval Support Activity Bethesda – Bethesda, Maryland

Bethesda is an easy 20-minute metro ride from downtown Washington DC and home to some of the area’s best dining and shopping options—all conveniently located just walking distance from each other. Foodies will swoon over the variety of culinary experiences there are to try. After a great meal, get your shopping fix at some of the area’s largest retail locations and charming boutiques or immerse yourself in the rich history of the DC metro area.

Naval Station Norfolk – Norfolk, Virginia

Norfolk is a 400-year-old port city and is home to the largest naval base in the world. It is also known as a coastal city with miles of pristine beaches, lovely seaside communities, and abundant wildlife to explore and enjoy. Norfolk is recognized as an affordable, safe place to live, with multiple housing options and a vibrant cultural scene.

Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story – Virginia Beach, Virginia

Stretching from the coast of Virginia Beach inland to Norfolk, the Little Creek area is full of beautiful beach access, unique dining options, abundant wildlife, and cultural entertainment opportunities. Fort Story was the landing site and beginning of America as we know it in 1607 and features many historic landmarks. This JEB is known as the crown jewel of America’s Naval operations.

Naval Station Mayport – Jacksonville, Florida

Jacksonville boasts more than 22 miles of accessible beaches in addition to a vibrant city with seven professional sports teams, gorgeous art museums, pristine gardens, and a diverse food scene. Enjoy the perfect combination of city and country with Southern rock bands, world-class art galleries, and the largest urban park system in America.

Naval Support Activity Naples – Naples, Italy

Naples is the regional capital of Campania and the third-largest city of Italy, after Rome and Milan. It offers great food, wonderful ambience and very passionate people who enjoy sharing their city with visitors. Enjoy classic Italian cuisine, world-renowned art, and easy access to all of Italy’s diverse regions.

Naval Air Station Sigonella – Sigonella, Italy

Sigonella is a short drive to Catania, an ancient port city on Sicily’s east coast. It sits at the foot of Mt. Etna, an active volcano with trails leading up to the summit. The city’s wide central square, Piazza del Duomo, features the whimsical Fontana dell’Elefante statue and richly decorated Catania Cathedral. In the southwest corner of the square, La Pescheria weekday fish market is a rowdy spectacle surrounded by seafood restaurants and exciting local shopping venues.

Naval Support Activity Bahrain – Manama, Bahrain

Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in situated on the Persian Gulf. It comprises a small archipelago made up of 50 natural islands and an additional 33 artificial islands, centered on Bahrain Island which makes up around 83 per cent of the country’s landmass. Bahrain is a modern and vibrant country with excellent shopping, dining and entertainment options as well as opportunities to explore many diverse cultures and activities.

Once you’re fully admitted to Trailblazer CYP, you’ll be provided with a list of available locations for placement. You can indicate your preferences and we will do our best to place you in your desired location.

We understand that our interns have different university schedules. We’ll ask about your availability to match you with a suitable placement during the process.

Interns can be placed in stateside locations within the United States or overseas, including Hawaii and international locations.

Yes, returning interns are given priority for overseas placements. New interns are likely to receive a stateside placement for their first internship.

Yes; because this is an academic internship, all participants must participate in the course and pay tuition.

Interns in stateside locations are responsible for paying tuition for at least three credits (currently $255/credit) and a fully-refundable security deposit of $500. Interns in overseas locations are responsible for paying tuition for at least five credits (currently $255/credit), a fully-refundable security deposit of $1,000, and a $200 fee for group international travel insurance that we book for you.

Generally, scholarships and financial aid will cover your tuition if you take 12 credits. Please meet with your financial advisor to discuss options and requirements.

Yes; please visit Utah Tech University’s Business Services site to enroll in a tuition payment plan. There are several payment options available.

Yes; ask any Trailblazer CYP staff member about deposit installment options.

No; if you’re serving consecutive internships, Trailblazer CYP can keep your original deposit and refund it to you at the end of your final internship if your housing, uniforms, government property, and rental cars are returned in good condition.