STUdent opportunities

Hi! I'm Ms. Macdonald and I'm the Work-Based Learning Coordinator at LAHSA. 

I help students find opportunities outside of school to learn new skills, explore careers, and get work experience. 

I can help you:

Scroll down to learn about:

How to reach me:

Message me on Schoology to request a meeting. 

Visit me in the Theatre Department during nutrition and lunch. My office is at the end of the hallway. Look for the rainbow doormat!

Find me in the 4th floor hallway before school starts and ask for help!

Email me: johana.macdonald@lausd.net

My office in the theatre department

Why GET involved?

Internships & Extracurricular Activities Help You:

What are you doing outside of school? Check out the opportunities below for new ideas!

 opportunities at LAHSA 

1. Join a LAHSA Production

We're a theatre school! Everyone has to participate in a production before graduation. This counts as work experience and goes on your resume! 

Acting students: audition for a role, apply for the stage management team or work Front of House (usher, tickets, bag check, concessions).

Design students: you must complete your production hours starting junior year. For additional experience, you can apply for the stage management team or work Front of House.

Talk to your theatre teachers about opportunities!

2. Join a LAHSA Club

Another easy way to build your resume and have fun! You can join at any time throughout the school year. Clubs are updated each year

Club rush is happens in the fall- stay tuned

3. Join an EduCare Program

There are different activities on the RFK campus every day after school.  You can join anytime throughout the school year. This is another easy way to build your resume!

Look at the program schedule on the Educare LINKTREEFollow on Instagram: @educare_rfkcs

Stop by the Educare office in the main quad to learn more and sign up!

4. Join a Sport at RFK

Fall Sports: girls volleyball, cross county, cheer, boys water polo, girls tennis.

Spring Sports: 

Informational meetings and tryouts schedule will be posted on the Instagram account: @rfk.athletics

Pick up a registration packet at the Welcome Center.

 opportunities outside of LAHSA

Directions:

NOTE: These are not LAUSD sponsored programs. Your parent/guardian must give permission for you to participate. "The programs/events/activities shared below are not presented, endorsed, supervised, approved or sponsored by the Los Angeles Unified School District. The District assumes no liability or responsibility for any loss or injury arising out of participation and is merely permitting these materials to be disseminated at this facility because of the possible interest of students and/or faculty."

Bresee Youth Center Programs

Bresee offers many opportunities throughout the school year and summer. Look at the information on the flyers below and Message Ms. Macdonald on Schoology if you're interested in any of these programs! 

All programs take place at Bresee after school. Bresee Youth Center is located at 184 Bimini Place (2nd Street & Vermont Ave, behind the Vons). 

How to Get There:

Bresee Teen Tech Center 

Learn tech skills using state of the art equipment!

Drop-in hours: Tuesday - Friday, 2pm-7pm

Workshops & Internships: see flyers below

OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS Grades 9-12

Comedia Film 2024.pdf

Bresee Comedia Film Program

Learn about filmmaking and classic Spanish theatre with students and professors from UCLA! Create your own movie trailer!

Meets every Friday through the end of the school year at Bresee from 4:30pm - 6:30pm. 

Open to all grades. You can join anytime! 

Fill out the form on the QR code or show up at Bresee on any Friday to join.


CAPSA flyer digital english front.pdf

CAPSA Summer Arts Workshops

In partnership with Dorsey High School, CalArts CAPSA offers free creative labs for high school students in Los Angeles County. CAPSA 2024 will be hosted at the Dorsey High School campus.

This summer eligible students can choose from:

Each creative lab is four weeks long and ends in a one-day student showcase. Lunch and supplies provided! 

Click HERE to register for CAPSA 2024! Space is limited!

Summer Bootcamp 2024 - LACC General Pathways.pdf

LACC Summer Classes

Take classes in a career pathway and earn free college credit!

Career Pathways: Animation, Game Art & Design, Health & Kinesiology, Music

To register:

STEAM-Summer24-03192024.pdf

LATTC STEAM Academy

Explore a new subject or career field and earn college credit!

Open to grades 9-12.

There are many classes to choose from - see the PDF for descriptions and schedule. Note that some classes are online and some are in person.

To register:

Girls Voices Now Summer Media Training

GVN empowers girls from under-resourced communities to find, develop and use their voice for positive social change through filmmaking. Program participants MUST be entering high school in the fall of 2024

As a participant, you will: 

A $500 stipend will be provided to participants upon full program participation and attendance. Lunch and snacks will be provided for free during the program.

Program Runs: June 24-July 26 (Monday-Friday: 9:30am-3pm)

Location: Mount Saint Mary's University (Doheney Campus, near DTLA/USC)

Learn more on the WEBSITE. Apply HERE by June 1.

YMR 24-25 Application Flier.pdf

UCLA Youth Media Representation Program

The CSS Youth Media Representation (YMR) Program is focused on amplifying youth voices at the intersection of scientific research and the entertainment industry to promote inclusive and authentic representation. We provide training to empower youth to share their voice with content creators through Research, Expression, and Public engagement. 

The purpose of this program is to provide opportunities for youth to shape media by conducting research among their peers, sharing their own perspectives, and communicating their insights to the people who create stories for and about youth.

Learn more about the program the WEBSITE. Apply HERE by June 3rd.

Youth Theatre Summer Intensive

This June 15 through July 20, 2024, the critically acclaimed About…Productions theater company and their Young Theaterworks educational program, in partnership with Plaza de la Raza and the Getty Museum, presents a 5-week youth theater intensive, where we will explore performing art forms and storytelling through a world culture lens and collaboratively create an original performance.

Learn more on the WEBSITE. Apply HERE by May 18th.

Hip Hop Summer Camp

When: 6/18/24 to 7/25/24 

Where: CAPO Center, 7944 W 3rd St Los Angeles, CA 90048

Open to ages 13-19. $275 stipend for students who complete the program.

Explore a wide range of creative activities, including songwriting, recording, beat making, boxing, acting, graffiti, and jewelry making. 

Only 20 spots available! Apply HERE by May 26.

_2022 LAunchPad Flyer.pdf

Summer: CSLA Engineering Program

Open to current 10th and 11th grade students.

LAunchPad is a free program hosted by the Cal State LA College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology (ECST). LAunchPad participants will be engaged in a two-week program introducing engineering, computer science, and technology.  This is your chance to EXPLORE! 

Program Dates: July 15, 2024- July 26, 2024

Location: Cal State LA Campus

Apply HERE.

Summer-2024-Institutes-class-descriptions_combined.pdf

Free Summer Classes at Inner-City Arts

 Classes meet daily Monday - Friday from July 8-19. All classes take place at the beautiful Inner-City Arts campus downtown

You can see the course descriptions and schedule on the flyer.

All LAHSA students quality for the tuition waiver. You only have to pay the $10 registration fee.

TO REGISTER: follow the instructions HERE. Classes fill up fast, so apply right away if you're interested!


2024_tech360_1-pager_-_la.pdf

Tech 360 Summer Bootcamp

The TECH360 Summer Bootcamp is an intensive, 3-week program where students learn how to code through web design and web development. Throughout the program students will learn industry-aligned technical and professional skills, gaining knowledge of key coding languages and frameworks including HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap.

During the final week of the program, students will put their knowledge to the test and work in teams to create and present a final website. Top teams from all program cohorts will compete during the end-of-summer Demo Day Competition. 

Most sessions will be hosted via Zoom and students who successfully complete the program will receive a $500 stipend.

See flyer for details and eligibility requirements. 

Apply HERE by May 24, 2024.

Summer: Free Coding Programs

Our free virtual summer programs teach the computer science skills that students need to make an impact in their community while preparing for a career in tech. Participants will get exposure to tech jobs, meet women in tech careers, and join a supportive sisterhood.

Choose from a 2-week immersion program or a 6-week self-paced experience that will allow you to meet other students and learn in the style that works best for you! 

All high school students who identify as girls or non-binary can apply, and no prior computer science experience is required.

Learn more and APPLY HERE

Walk the Beat 2024.pdf

Summer: Theatre + Social Justice Paid Internship

Get Paid to Create and Perform! The Fountain Theatre's WALK THE BEAT is a creative writing theater and multimedia workshop for grades 9-12 along with local police officers, to help foster dialogue and safe interactions with law enforcement. 

Youth will receive a stipend of $100 weekly. 

Apply HERE

AAPI Paid Internships, ages 14+ 

FACE's AAPI (Asian American Pacific Islander) Career Pathways Initiative provides youth with paid internship opportunities in public and private sectors. In addition to job training, AAPI Interns will gain leadership skills and be mentored by influential leaders from CEOs to government officials.

What You Do

Do you qualify?

Learn more HERE.

To apply, fill out this INTEREST FORM

Learn about Creative Careers at The Music Center

Studio: Creative Futures is for young adults interested in offstage jobs in the entertainment and performing arts industries. The Music Center offers several opportunities to learn more about these industries including a free four-day workshop to strengthen the soft skills necessary to succeed in the workplace. With training and coaching from professional artists and arts administrators, participants can improve their resilience, adaptability, self-confidence, curiosity and communication skills. 

 Students can earn $250 for completing the 4 day workshop!

Learn more about the program HERE.

The next workshop will take place on June 17 - 21, from 10am-3:00pm at The Music Center downtown. It will be offered again in January 2025.

Apply HERE by May 10. Spots fill up fast!

Wilshire Ebell Theatre Internships Spring 2024.pdf

Wilshire Ebell Theatre Internship

Students are hired to work three shows at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre and shadow professionals in various roles backstage and/or in Front of House.

You don't need previous experience, just a desire to learn! If hired, you will receive technical training.

Eligibility:

Interns are hired for the school year and summer. See Ms. Macdonald to learn more!

Summer: METRO TCAP Internship

If you are interested in technology or transportation this is a great opportunity! This is a hybrid program which means that some of it will happen on zoom and some in-person. Learn more about the program and schedule HERE.

Who can apply:

What you will need for the application:

Apply HERE by 4PM on March 12, 2024. See Ms. Macdonald for help!

TIP 2024 Flyer.pdf

Summer: The Intern Project (TIP)

TIP provides outstanding high school students from schools across LA County the chance to work in dynamic career areas through internships of four or more weeks during their summer break between June- August. Please note that priority will be given to high need students.

Ideal TIP candidates are responsible young adults completing their Sophomore,  Junior, or Senior year at an LA County high school, with a record of high academic achievement, consistent attendance, knowledge and use of social media, and, above all, have a passion to work in one of these identified fields: Arts, Media & Entertainment, Engineering & Tech, Business, Government/Non-Profit/Philanthropy, Sports, and Healthcare & Medical Technology

Learn more and Apply HERE by March 15, 2024. See Ms. Macdonald for help!


2024_NEXTGEN_-FLYER.pdf

Summer: Next Gen Latino Leadership Program

Have you ever dreamed of visiting our nation’s capital and learning about how our government works? CHCI has an all-expenses paid leadership experience designed just for Latino high school students. Spend a week exploring Washington, D.C., while creating lasting friendships and wonderful memories. Participate in NextGen Latino Leadership program and make this a summer to remember!

Application Deadline: February 15, 2024

Check the website HERE to learn more. Application materials for Summer 2025 will be available on August 15th.

SYEP Application for Employment 2022 - Final.pdf

Summer: Kaiser Internship 

Eligibility:

Students will work in one of the Kaiser departments while learning about careers in healthcare. This is a paid internship. Learn more about the program and requirements in the PDF application.

To apply: print and fill out the PDF application. You will also need an updated resume. 

Deadline to apply: Spring, TBD

LAPD Cadets Program

The LAPD Cadets is a Youth Program run and sponsored by the Los Angeles Police Department for youth aged 13 to 17. 

Cadets volunteer in several different ways for the police department, including taking part in charity assistance, working in stations, and participating in a variety city wide events.[2] The Cadet Program has posts at all of the LAPD’s 21 regional divisions, South and Central Traffic divisions, LAPD Headquarters, the University of Southern California and the Los Angeles Airport Police cadet posts.

Requirements:

In order to join the Cadet Program a participant must be between the ages of 13 and 17, maintain a 2.5 grade point average, have no serious criminal record, obtain a medical examination, and complete the cadet academy.

Check HERE for the next cadet academy and application.

Latino Theatre Company Play at Work

Play at Work (PAW) program is a free after-school vocational training program that teaches stagecraft to Los Angeles public high school teens and young adults.  The PAW program is open to Los Angeles high school teens and young adults 16-21. Apply HERE.

September 11 - November 9, 2023 (Monday/Wednesday) from 4:30pm-6:30pm at The Los Angeles Theatre Center, Downtown Los Angeles. 

Explore careers in technical theater, marketing and management. As a PAW Teen Artist-In-Residence, you will develop theater production and operational skills by job shadowing theater professionals and attending workshops. In addition, all participants attend a weekly Art-As-A-Career/Life Skills class.

Learn more about the program HERE. Fall 2024 materials will be available in August.

2023 Film2Future Program Recruitment Flyer DIGITAL.pdf

Film2Future Intensive Filmmaking Programs

Film2Future (F2F) is a nonprofit that delivers professional-level filmmaking programs for under-served teenagers in Los Angeles. Our mission is to diversify the entertainment industry workforce and inspire future filmmakers. Founded in 2016 by Haven Entertainment partner Rachel Miller, F2F empowers a new generation of diverse content creators to share their stories and to obtain paid positions across the entertainment industry. Hollywood executives, legendary filmmakers, and thought leaders from across the entertainment and media landscape volunteer as guest speakers as part of F2F’s intensive, hands-on curriculum. Each F2F student graduates with a creative reel, competitive resume, networking and interview skills, and an industry mentor.

Stay tuned for 2024 application materials!

Work Experience for Ages 17+

The Youth@Work Elevate program is open to all LA County youth ages 17-24 who are current or former foster youth, justice-impacted, identify as LGBTQ+ or are currently or previously experiencing housing instability.  

Explore career pathways in the County's high-growth and emerging sectors.

The 4th cohort of Elevate begins September 2023. Complete this INTEREST FORM to be notified of when applications open for Youth@Work Elevate in November! 

Volunteer at a Los Angeles Public Library 

Los Angeles Public Library is proud to host over 2,600 teens as volunteers every year at our 73 locations. Opportunities vary at different locations.

Email the Young Adult Librarian or Senior Librarian at the Pio-Pico branch in Koreatown (piokor@lapl.org) on 694 S. Oxford St. or visit your nearest library to ask about volunteer opportunities. 

CLICK HERE to learn more. 

Learn about the Music Industry

Learn about different career paths in the music industry from working professionals. 

Explore resources and videos on topics like Social MediaMarketing, Artist Branding and Production HERE.  See the schedule of Fall programs HERE.

Check out their YouTube Channel for more content about how to break into the music industry.

Are you interested in journalism, multimedia and writing? This is a great resource!

Read stories written BY and FOR students in Southern California, across the country, and even the world! 

Contribute your own writing and get feedback from mentors. You can have your work published on the website! They also have a paid summer internship (application available in the spring).

Expanding_Horizons_Internships.pdf

Summer: Expanding Horizons Internship

Open to 10th & 11th grade students who meet the eligibility requirements below. Accepted students wil receive college and career training workshops and a paid summer internship at a local business. 

This is a competitive program - you will need 2 letters of recommendation and a short essay. Learn more HERE.

You must meet the following criteria:

2024 Important Dates:

Camp-CHLA-Flyer.pdf

Summer: Camp CHLA

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work in the health care field? Camp CHLA is your chance to explore those exciting careers! Join us for five full days of education, observation, and participation in the daily activities of health care professionals with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

This is a competitive program. Applications are submitted in January for the summer sessions. Learn more about the program and last year's application process HERE

NOTE: the dates on the flyer are from this past summer. This will be updated in the fall.

Summer: USC REACH Engineering Program

The  USC Viterbi K-12 STEM Center's REACH program aims to help students strengthen their STEM identity and understand the ways that engineering research benefits society. The goal for REACH participants is to learn more about how future opportunities in SHINE or other research programs can help them create a powerful college and career pathway. Students will also learn how to contribute valuable skills to the region and the nation. 

Learn more HERE. Summer 2024 application will be added once available.

Energy-of-STEM-2024-flyer-EngEsp.pdf

USC Energy of STEAM Summer Camp

Application Deadline extended to May 12!

Open to current 9th-11th grade students.

Learn more and apply HERE

Summer: Samuels Family LA-HIP Internship

The overall goal of the Samuels Family LA-HIP is to provide students who identify as an underrepresented minority in medicine and science with the opportunity to learn hands-on laboratory-based research and to support them in their quest to become scientists or physician scientists. Eligible students are those who are applying in the Fall of their Junior year of high school, and who have a strong interest in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM). 

This is a very competitive program. Learn more about the program and application process HERE. Applications are typically due in February.

Children's Hospital High School Summer Volunteer

Learn more about the role and volunteer requirements HERE. The Summer 2024 application is now closed.

This is a competitive program. The application for Summer 2025 opens in February and includes an essay and two teacher recommendations.


Teen Council Application 2023_V3.pdf

Academy Museum Teen Council

What is a Teen Council? 

A Teen Council is a group of young people who are interested in coming together to help with the decision making of an organization. The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures has created a Teen Council that will engage with the Education and Public Engagement team and other museum departments to develop youth centered workshops and programs! 

What is the time commitment like?

This is a one-year commitment; we will meet Friday afternoons and some weekends. We will have major holiday and seasonal breaks. Our first meeting will be in October 2023. 

Meetings will take place at the Academy Museum on Wilshire Ave. You can get there easily on the #20 or #720 METRO bus with your LAUSD TAP card.

OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS AGES 14-18. 

Learn more and APPLY HERE by September 22, 2023. 

Check back for Fall 2024 materials

Goals-for-life-internship_24-25_English & Spanish.pdf

Bresee Goals for Life Internship (Paid)

What:

When:

Who can apply:

Application requirements:

Apply HERE by April 26, 2024. See Ms. Macdonald for help!

24-25-YLP_ApplicationRegistrationFlyer.pdf

Bresee Sports Leadership Internship (Paid)

What:

When:

Who can apply:

Apply HERE by April 26, 2024. See Ms. Macdonald for help!


community resources

The largest Central American immigration rights organization in the country. They do community organizing and advocacy work to change unjust immigration policies. They offer many resources for families and students. Fall opportunities coming soon!

Lifeworks is the youth development and mentoring program of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. They offer 1-1, peer, and group mentoring opportunities for LGBTQ youth and allies ages 24 or younger. There is also an annual Models of Pride conference for LGTBQ youth and allies.

Students Deserve is working towards Making Black Lives Matter in Schools.  They are students, teachers, and parents working for justice in and beyond schools. Read more here.

They offer three types of services to the RFK Community: legal consultations, full legal representation, and community education. Visit the website to make an appointment.

CIYJA is a statewide immigrant youth-led alliance that works tirelessly to fight back against policies that attempt to criminalize undocumented youth and families. Join their email list to get notified about upcoming actions.

DoSomething is an online, youth-led movement for good. Explore the wide range of virtual campaigns and get involved in a cause that matters to you. When you join a campaign, you are also entered to win scholarship prizes. Open to all grades.