What is KernelWorks?
KernelWorks is FWD Dynamics’ flagship internship and career readiness program — a bold initiative wherestudents transform into professionals by doing realwork, on real projects, with real stakes, all while still in school.
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Hosted in Bakersfield, California, and drawing talent primarily from CSU Bakersfield and nearby community colleges, KernelWorks provides hands-on, mentored experience in software development, project management, AI integration, and workplace professionalism.
Unlike traditional internships, KernelWorks doesn’t wait for students to be “ready”. We make them ready. Participants work in a fast-paced, project-driven environment that mirrors the real tech industry without the cutthroat “sink or swim” culture. They gain not only technical expertise but also the soft skills, business acumen, and customer-focused mindset needed to thrive in any workplace.
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Interns leave with a portfolio of real-world accomplishments, the confidence to navigate professional challenges, and the readiness to launch into their careers immediately after graduation. In KernelWorks, students don’t just prepare for the future, they start living it.
Our Philosophy
KernelWorks is where students don't just learn, they lead. We intentionally hire them without experience, because that's the point. We immerse them in a supportive environment of mentors, senior peers, real projects, and real deadlines. Along the way, they gain confidence, master new skills, and take ownerships of their growth. By graduation, they've already delivered results, led meetings, and worked at a professional level. No longer entry-level. When they cross the stage with diploma in hand, they graduate from KernelWorks making way for the next student in this ongoing pipeline of opportunity powered by community, mentorship, and transformation.
A quick timeline of students' graduation alongside interning at FWD: Dynamics.
Why It Matters
Graduates today face an uphill battle in a system that often works against them, not for them.
Graduates face a frustrating paradox, employers expect experience, yet won’t offer the opportunities to gain it. As a result, many spend months in limbo. The average wait to land a first job is over 31 weeks, nearly eight months.
At the same time, the job market is shifting. Artificial intelligence is taking over tasks that once belonged to junior software engineers. In just two years, entry-level developer postings have dropped by as much as 60%, leaving fewer openings for newcomers trying to break in.
For those still determined to try, the numbers are daunting. A graduate might send out dozens, even hundreds, of applications. Out of 73 applicants, only three are called for an interview, and just one will be hired. Combine this with ongoing waves of layoffs, and it’s no surprise that the path from classroom to career feels steeper and more uncertain than ever before.
Want to get involved?
Whether you’re part of the community, a parent, an educator, or simply someone who believes in giving the next generation a fair shot, you can be part of KernelWorks. Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity, experience, and confidence to step into the workforce ready to succeed.