The City of Turlock played host to a record-breaking 56 college interns this year, the city announced Friday.

The interns represent schools from across the region, including California State University, Stanislaus and the University of California, Merced. The students played roles in many different city departments, helping with scores of projects.

“Our interns have worked in every program area in our city government, from the Mayor and the City Manager’s office to our engineering and police departments,” said Turlock Mayor John Lazar.

The real-world experience should give students a “competitive edge” in the job market, Lazar said.

The internships were made possible through a partnership with the Kenneth L. Maddy Institute, a nonpartisan public policy institute established by the California Legislature in 1999.

The City of Turlock says the internships are an important part of job creation, helping to find local careers for local college students.

“Turlock is a City on the move and a city for all generations and this is just another example of how I see the City of Turlock building on its strengths to position itself for the future in job creation,” Lazar said.

The interns and other city volunteers will be honored at an April appreciation dinner.