I help students find opportunities outside of school to learn new skills, explore careers, and get work experience.
Find after school programs
Apply for internships & jobs
Write a resume
Prepare for an interview
Why you should get involved
Opportunities at LAHSA
Opportunities outside of school
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
Explore your interests and possible careers
Learn new skills
Build your resume and get work experience
Strengthen your college applications
Give back to your community
Gain mentors, new friends, and people who can help you in the future!
What are you doing outside of school? Check out the opportunities below for new ideas!
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 (if there's space - actors get priority).
Talk to your theatre teachers about opportunities!
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. You can also start your own!
Tree Troopers
BSU
Dramatic Dreamers
GSA
Finance/Investing
Mariposas, Adopt Don't Shop and more!
CLUB RUSH on Friday, September 5th lunch!!
There are different activities on the RFK campus every day after school. Join anytime throughout the school year. This is another easy way to build your resume!
Follow on Instagram: @educare_rfkcs & Stop by the Educare office in the main quad to sign up!
Fall Sports: girls volleyball, boys & girls cross county, cheer, boys waterpolo, girls tennis, cheer
Follow on Instagram: @rfk.athletics & Pick up a registration packet at the Welcome Center.
Explore the opportunities below and click on the links to learn more. New opportunities are posted throughout the year.
Pay attention to who can apply, the deadline, and the application process for each opportunity.
Message me on Schoology with any questions or for help applying!
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 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:
Walk (about a mile)
Take the #204 or #754 bus (free with your TAP card) at 7th and Vermont Ave. Get off at 3rd and Vermont and walk up to 2nd St. Turn right onto 2nd St and you'll see the sign for Bresee at the end of the street.
Learn tech skills using state of the art equipment!
Drop-in hours: Tuesday - Friday, 3pm-7pm
Drop in any day after-school and use their tech equipment
Learn to use the equipment or work on your own project!
Design your own t-shirts and tote bags - Bresee will provide all of the materials!
OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS Grades 9-12
New workshops every month!
Follow @bresee_icd on Instagram for new opportunities!
Free 2-day workshop that will teach you:
how to arrange and record a song
how to use samples and effects
no music experience needed!
OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS Grades 9-12
WHEN: Thursday, September 11 & Friday, September 12 after school at Bresee.
There are limited spots! SIGN UP HERE
The Teen Tech Center hosts new workshops every month. Follow @bresee_icd on Instagram for new opportunities!
What:
Learn technical skills: computer science/STEM & website design
Meet professionals and learn about STEM careers
Workforce series: resume, LinkedIN, mock interview
Paid summer internship if you complete the program!
When:
October 2025 - June 2026
Wednesdays, 4-6pm at Bresee
Who can apply:
16 + with legal right to work
Apply HERE by September 30th. See Ms. Macdonald with any questions or for help!
The BS³ STEAM Academy is dedicated to supporting high school sophomores and juniors by providing them with the tools, resources, and mentorship needed to excel in STEAM disciplines. Our program includes rigorous academic courses, hands-on workshops, college preparation, and exposure to STEAM careers through partnerships with industry leaders such as DreamWorks, Kaiser, Deloitte, Apple, Disney, Nickelodeon, and more.
Benefits of the Program:
Access to specialized STEAM courses led by experts
Mentorship opportunities with professionals and university students
College readiness workshops and admissions guidance
Networking with peers and professionals in STEAM fields
Exposure to real-world STEAM applications through field trips and interactive sessions
Eligibility
Attend a LA County High School
2.4 GPA or higher
Current 10th-11th grade student
A demonstrated interest in STEAM subjects
APPLY HERE right away if interested! Application closes as soon as they reach 300 applicants or by December 1 (whichever comes first)
Learn about the Entertainment Industry through monthly events with a mentor! Transportation provided.
Who can apply:
Female-identifying juniors
Must have at least a 3.5 GPA
Learn more at an upcoming info session - register at links below:
Women in Entertainment Info Session - Wednesday 9/17, 4PM - 5PM
Women in Entertainment Info Session - Wednesday 9/24, 4PM - 5PM
Apply HERE by October 1st
Eligibility:
9th - 12th-grade students who attend Region West schools
Must maintain satisfactory academic progress & be able to balance RWSSAC duties and school-related responsibilities
Must be endorsed by a school administrator or designee (counselor, coordinator, teacher, etc.) and serve a one-year term
Duties:
Attend all RWSSAC meetings and actively participate
Act as a liaison between the superintendent and Region West students
Share information with fellow students
Maintain a broad understanding of District and school-related issues
Engage in meaningful dialogue regarding students’ views of the performance and operations of Region West
Participate in additional meetings and events as requested
Meeting Details:
Time: 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM
Location: Region West Office, 11380 Graham Place, LA 90064; A hybrid option will be available.
Dates: TBD (to be determined)
APPLY HERE by Wednesday, September 22, 2025
Classes meet on Saturdays from September 20 - December 20, 2025.
Open to grades 9-12. Earn 3 college credits!
The class will be held in person at CARECEN, located at 2845 West 7th St, Los Angeles, CA 90005. We will have a bilingual instructor who speaks both Spanish and English.
TO REGISTER: Fill out the K-12 FORM and have it signed by your parent/guardian and your counselor.
Drop off your signed K-12 Form at CARECEN before September 20th.
Email Rocio Veliz @RVeliz@carecen-la.org with any questions or for help registering.
Classes meet on Saturdays from September 13 - November 22, 2025. All classes take place at the beautiful Inner-City Arts campus downtown.
Look at the Class Descriptions PDF to see what classes are being offered and what time they meet.
Tuition waivers are available. See the requirements HERE. You only have to pay the $20 registration fee.
TO REGISTER: follow the instructions HERE. Classes fill up fast, so apply right away if you're interested! After pre-registering, families must come to the ICA campus Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., to select and enroll in classes.
If you miss Enrollment Day, you must email programs@inner-cityarts.org or call 213.627-9621 x122 to arrange a time to come to campus to enroll before the first day of class, Sept. 13.
NFMLA’s CineSessions High School Student Mentorship Program invites Los Angeles County High School students to participate in an array of opportunities that are offered on a monthly basis throughout the year. These interactive programs explore various areas of entertainment, including but not limited to production opportunities and general careers in media. Learn more on their WEBSITE
UPCOMING DATES: August 28th, September 10th, and September 17th, 2025, from 2:45pm to 5:30pm PT at the historic Sunset Gower Studios in Hollywood, where the majority of the studio lot is utilized by Netflix!
CineSession offers a glimpse into many different roles, like:
Cinematography (camera operation, shooting techniques)
Development Executive (cultivating new talent for TV and film)
Directing (set language, scene composition, blocking talent)
Distribution Executive (programming content for streaming, broadcast and cinemas)
Lighting (three-point-lighting, soft vs. hard & natural vs. artificial lighting)
Film Criticism (reviewing of films and TV series)
Sound Recording (sound recording on boom, pistol and lav mics)
Marketing (creating public facing campaigns for TV & film content)
Production Management (creating call sheets & schedules)
To be considered APPLY HERE. Spots are limited and it's first-come, first-served! See Ms. Macdonald if you're interested!
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. FALL 2025 Flyer Coming Soon!
To register:
Fill out this INTEREST FORM to attend a mandatory orientation session.
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. Each F2F student graduates with a creative reel, competitive resume, networking and interview skills, and an industry mentor.
Read the detailed program information on the flyer and their WEBSITE
There are two programs that students may apply for – one focused on animation and one focused on music video production. You can only complete one program each year and will be asked in the application process to rank your program choices. Programs take place both online and in person from April - August 2025.
Applications are usually due in February - check back for updated materials and dates. This is a competitive internship.
Play at Work (PAW) program is a free after-school job training program that teaches stagecraft to Los Angeles public high school teens and young adults. It is open to students ages 16-23.
Program Dates:
Monday, September 15 - Wednesday, November 12th
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 and APPLY HERE by Monday, September 8, 2025. Fall Session Closed - will open again for Spring!
Students in the Turner-UCLA Allied Health internship program learn how to perform CPR, related healthcare skills, and obtain shadowing opportunities from entry-level, clinical and administrative positions. The one-week long, summer internship program is designed to address workforce shortages and offers career education for students from under-resourced communities who express interest in learning about health care career opportunities.
Read more about the program HERE and sign up for a virtual info session to learn more. Application materials for Summer 2026 will be available in January - check back!
Who can apply: current juniors or seniors. This is a competitive internship.
Application Requirements:
1) Completed Google Application (deadline: usually March, exact date TBD)
2) Personal Statement Video: A video clip (.mp4 format, 2-minute MINIMUM, 4-minute MAXIMUM) answering the prompts included.
3) Recommender's contact information about your teacher, guidance counselor, school administrator, or work supervisor who will complete your recommendation.
4) Resume (in PDF)
Winter/Spring Session: January 27 to April 13 (1x/week, 20 hours total)
Apply by December 2, 2025
Accelerated Summer Session: June 16 to July 20 (2x/week, 40 hours total)
Apply by April 1, 2026
As a high school student volunteer, your duties may include:
Scanning and data entry
Helping orient new patients
Answering phone calls
Delivering flowers and amenities
Learn more HERE - information for Winter & Summer 2026 not available yet - check back!
The CLYLP Los Angeles Institute (LAI) was established in 2006 to inspire and motivate students from Southern California to become future leaders through public service. Open to 50 students from Los Angeles County, the three-day institute offers an impactful program designed to develop students’ leadership potential and increase their knowledge of the region’s cultural and political landscape. Institute participants connect with education, business, political and community leaders and receive encouragement in their pursuit of post-secondary educational opportunities. Housing, meals and program materials are provided at no cost to the participants or their families.
Open to current sophomores and juniors.
Learn more HERE - information for Summer 2026 not available yet - check back! Applications usually due in March.
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 HERE and Apply HERE by March 1, 2025. See Ms. Macdonald for help!
Students are hired to work four shows at the historic Wilshire Ebell Theatre and shadow professionals in various roles backstage (lighting, sound, stage hand) and/or in Front of House.
You don't need previous experience in these roles, just a desire to learn! If hired, you will receive technical training.
Eligibility:
16+
Fully vaccinated
Social security card/permanent resident card
Only for LAHSA design students with approval from Wilton/Honigstein
Interns are hired for the school year and summer. See Ms. Macdonald to learn more!
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:
Current high school juniors and seniors
Must be between the ages of 16 – 18 years of age
Must have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) 2.5 or better
U.S. citizen, permanent resident or high school students who have legal authorization to work in the United States
What you will need for the application:
Complete the TCAP APPLICATION and upload the following documents:
Student ID (or California ID)
Transcripts (official or unofficial) showing your cumulative GPA (2.5 or higher)
Resume (include extracurricular activities like sports, clubs, volunteer work, etc.)
Application for Summer 2026 will open in February. Check back then for updated information and see Ms. Macdonald for help!
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
Earn $16 per hour
120 hours of paid training and work experience.
Over 700 internship sites at Businesses, Non-Profits, & LA County Government such as Parks & Recreation, LA County Supervisors, District Attorney's Office and more!
Jobs include administrative, clerical, IT, hospitality
Opportunity to network with County leadership!
Do you qualify?
LA County Residents Ages 14-24
Must have the right to work in the United States
Learn more HERE.
To apply, fill out this INTEREST FORM
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:
Make a short documentary film!
Build confidence in yourself & your ability to use your voice for social change
Participate in essential conversations about women's rights and gender equality
Make new friends and build lasting relationships with mentors
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)
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.
Open to current 10th and 11th grade students.
Learn about the different types of engineering
Meet Cal State LA professors
Work with industry professionals
Conduct hands-on activities
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.
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.
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:
animation
film
visual art (photography & printmaking)
music (music production )
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!
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
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.
Eligibility:
Eligible to work in the US (social security card)
Available between June 24 - August 5th
Open to all grades but priority given to rising juniors and seniors
Fully vaccinated
Have a social security # (you will need it for the application)
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
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.
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.
Complete this INTEREST FORM to be notified of when applications open for the next Youth@Work Elevate!
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).
You will have the opportunity to hear from medical professionals in various specialties and ask them questions
You will get to engage in hands-on skills labs with materials we send you before camp (CPR, first aid, etc.)
You will be able to interact and get to know the other campers, our volunteers, and staff
You will get a closer look at the fascinating world of health care through this life-changing opportunity!
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.
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.
Application Deadline extended to May 12!
Open to current 9th-11th grade students.
Learn more and apply HERE
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.
Learn more about the role and volunteer requirements HERE. The Summer 2025 application is now closed.
This is a competitive program. The application for Summer 2026 will be available in December and includes an essay and two teacher recommendations. Check back for updated information and links.
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
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.
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 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).
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.