SLO Summer Interns
You'll serve with us. We'll invest in you.
A summer of ministry in San Luis Obispo for college students who want to serve kids and youth and grow as leaders.
Each summer, Trinity hosts college students for hands-on ministry with our children and youth. You'll take on meaningful responsibilities while learning from experienced ministry leaders and growing in your faith through two months of hands-on service.
What you'll do
- Help plan and lead Vacation Bible School.
- Serve in both children's ministry and youth ministry.
- Help lead Sunday School and weekly youth group nights.
- Go to RYM Summer Camp with our high school students.
- Help organize family and student events, from beach days to game nights.
How we'll invest in you
- Mentoring from our pastor and ministry leaders.
- Reading and discussing books on discipleship and ministry, such as J-Curve by Paul E. Miller.
- Opportunities to connect with Trinity families through shared meals and activities throughout the summer.
- Opportunities to learn alongside church staff and elders as they serve the congregation.
- Trips away for team building, rest and renewal.
- A deeper vision for life and leadership in the church.
Who we're looking for
College students who love Jesus, want to grow in ministry and are eager to invest in children and youth. Applicants should have completed their sophomore year of college or be of equivalent age. We welcome applications from qualified candidates, including Cal Poly students who live locally.
This is a full-time commitment for the whole summer, so plan to be here start to finish, without another job or summer classes. We're excited to work with eager, self-motivated candidates who are willing to try new things.
Thinking beyond the summer? We're also developing a ministry residency: part-time ministry at Trinity while you study at seminary remotely. Ask us about it.
Program details
The summer at a glance
Dates
The internship runs from early June through early August, concluding the Sunday after RYM summer camp. Exact dates for 2027 will be announced soon.
Support
Interns receive a summer stipend, funded through a combination of church support and personal fundraising.
Housing
If you're coming from outside the area, a Trinity host family will provide housing, including a private bedroom and access to a bathroom.
The year ahead
- NowJoin the interest list
- DecemberApplications open
- January to MarchInterviews and selection
- MayOrientation and prep
- June and JulyThe internship
Why San Luis Obispo?
Spend the summer on California's Central Coast, where beaches and hiking trails are just minutes away. Beyond the scenery, you'll find a church family eager to welcome you and make San Luis Obispo feel like home.
About Trinity
Trinity Presbyterian Church has been part of the San Luis Obispo community for more than 30 years. We're a gospel-centered congregation committed to building relationships and serving our city. We also want to equip people to serve wherever God calls them. That commitment includes investing in the next generation through ministries such as RUF at Cal Poly, which meets at Trinity each week.
Who you'll work with
Bryce Hales
Pastor
Bryce has pastored since 2006 in California, Utah and Colorado, including in college ministry, and loves working with young adults.
Emily Slater
Children's Ministry Director
Emily helped establish Trinity's children's ministry and leads its team of volunteers. She co-led the 2026 summer internship program and helped organize Trinity's first Vacation Bible School.
Interested?
Join the interest list and we'll let you know when the application opens. Questions are welcome too.