Internship and Volunteer Opportunities 

Many programs might require supplemental documents. Pay close attention to what the application is requesting and do your research well in advance of the deadline as some requirements take time to request from school staff. 

Below you will find some common requirements and see who on campus can help you get the documents you need. 

1. A letter of recommendation: Remember to give your recommenders at least 2 weeks notice when asking for a letter of recommendation. Give them a brag sheet and/or resume so they can write a personal letter that speaks to your strengths. Here is a template. 

2. Transcripts: Some applications have GPA or course requirements. Your counselor (Ms. Delgado, Mr. Ramirez, or Mr. Walton) or Ms. Varty can  print out official transcripts. Ms. Setiarto or the main office techs can print out unofficial transcripts. Please give staff at least 3-4 days notice when requesting transcripts. 

3. Essay questions: Give yourself plenty of time to write a good response. See Ms. Setiarto for help revising/proofreading. Give any reviewer at least 1-2 weeks in advance to properly review your application. This ensures you have time to edit your work and for your reviewer to do one final proofread before you submit. 

These applications have due dates coming up! To best increase your chance of acceptance, apply to these opportunities by the end of this month. 

1. Kollab Youth Workforce Development Program (Grades 9-12, age 14 min.)- Application is now OPEN and due 9/2 by 11PM. Free to participate. This program is eligible to use for Ortho community service hours.

2. JLAG (Jobs for Los Angeles Graduates, Grade 12)-Paid job experience. Attend the in-person recruitment on 8/28 at lunch. Eligible for community service hours. Get the application from Ms. Setiarto in the library. Due THURSDAY, 9/4. 

3. Youth Ambassadors for Queer History (Grades 9-12)- Application is now OPEN and due 9/8. $1000 scholarship for seniors and a $500 stipend for grades 9-11. Rideshare stipends available to cover transportation costs. Here is their application help doc. This program is eligible to use for Ortho community service hours.

4. USC MedCor (Grade 9)- Recruitment will happen through biology classes (Rico and Duque) on September 5th. Application Due 9/8. Complete this application ASAP for best chances of being accepted. Submissions are timestamped and late submissions will not be accepted. This program is eligible to use for Ortho community service hours. 

5. The Perry Initiative Outreach Program (Grades 10-12)- FREE one-day event to explore hand-on surgery modules and receive mentorship from surgeons and engineers. More info here. Eligible for community service hours. Apply here. DUE 9/9/25. 

6. Workforce Ready (Ages 14-26)- 3 week self-paced curriculum (6 hours total) teaching you essential skills to be successful in securing an entry-level job/internship. You will get a certificate of completion to build up your resume and LinkedIn profile. More info here. Eligible for community service hours. Apply here. DUE 9/9/25. 

7. USC/PUENTE Healthcare Saturdays (all grades)- Series of healthcare career workshops given by USC healthcare professionals, faculty, and students. Gift bags and other incentives available for consistent participation. Hybrid program with some in-person and Zoom events. Informational flyer here. Register here. First event is on 9/20, so register ASAP! 

8. CA Science Center Community Teen Intern (Grades 10-12)-The Community Teen Interns work directly with museum guests and delivering in-person programming. Their core job – and indeed, it is a job! - is to help connect science to people’s lives through hands-on science activities. Please see the website for the application and qualifications needed. Due 9/12/25 by 5PM. 

9. Ortho School Site Council (SSC) Student Representative (Grades 9-12) - SSC is a council that meets about school issues and votes on things like school plans and budgets. Self-nominate by writing a 1 paragraph description of why you would be a good student representative on this council. Eligible for community service hours.  Email to Ms.Setiarto at leanne.setiarto@lausd.net  by Friday, September 12th at 3:43 PM.

10. Healthcare Horizon with USC PA Pathways and Keck Hospital (ages 17+) One day program on Saturday, November 15th (8am-2pm) that aims to provide participants with valuable exposure to healthcare careers while fostering hands-on learning experiences at Keck Hospital. Please email leanne.setiarto@lausd.net if interested to complete required paperwork. Transportation available. Fill out interest form by October 1st. if First come, first served. 

11. Fall Virtual STEM Immersion Programs (grades 9-12)- 3 different areas of study: health science, computer science, and engineering. Learn from professionals and complete a team project. More info here. Application here (select the "free program" option- you are eligible). Applications due 9/27. 

12. CA Hospital Volunteering (ages 14+) - Volunteer at California Hospital just a mile north on Grand Avenue from Ortho. Contact Veronica Bonilla, Manager of Volunteer Services at (213) 742-5707 or veronica.bonilla@commonspirit.org if you have any questions. No deadline- applications are processed as they are received and based on available openings. See here for more info and here to apply. 

13. Tech Pathways Academy with UniteLA (ages 16-18)- FREE After school academy to get tech certifications in AI, software development, digital media, and cyber security-- and earn college credit! More info here. Eligible for community service hours. Apply here by TBD.

14. A Place Called Home (Grades 9-12)- FREE after school programs and services including athletics, dance, digital media, tutoring, music, and more! Eligible for community service hours. Rolling applications. Apply here.

15. SOLA TECH and Entrepreneurship Center Fall Session- A variety of classes offered at the Center. There is a $25 enrollment fee that covers the whole year and you can take an unlimited number of classes. More information here.

16. TurnUp Youth Activism Remote Internship (Grades 9-12)- participate in activism and learn civics, bolster your resume, earn valuable letters of recommendation. Flexible hours per week, apply anytime, eligible to win awards and prizes, broaden your networking, and hear from speakers. More info here. Eligible for community service hours. Apply here.

17. YMCA Teen Center (all grades)- at the Ketchum-Downtown YMCA you can explore careers, get access to college support, financial literacy development, and other programs (plus a gym membership)! Eligible for community service hours. Contact JasonServellon@ymcaLA.org to learn more. Ongoing enrollment. 

These applications have due dates coming up! To best increase your chance of acceptance, apply to these opportunities by the end of this month. 

1. Telluride Association Summer Seminar (10th and 11th grade)-FREE, all expenses paid (tuition, books, room and board) summer program at Cornell University or University of Maryland. Study Critical Black Studies or Anti-Oppressive studies to enhance your leadership skills through critical thinking and democratic community. More info here. Application due 12/3 at 8:59PM PST. 

2. LA-HIP STEM Internship at Children's Hospital LA (class of 2026 juniors)-hands-on laboratory-based research and mentorship support in their quest to become scientists or physician scientists. Stipend offered, meals provided. More info here. Virtual Info sessions here. Application is now open! 

3.  Bank of America Student Leaders (11th and 12th graders)- 8-week PAID Internship focusing on community service with local nonprofits plus an all expenses paid (i.e. free!) weeklong summit in Washington DC. More info here. App is now open and due 1/16/25 by 8:59PM (PST).

4. X-Bots Robotics Mobility Program (Grades 9-12)- LuskinOIC is hosting this robotics program where you will modify toy cars for toddlers with mobility issues to ride. Lunch provided. Eligible for Commuity Service hours. Register by Nov. 8th. Event is Nov. 16th from 8:30AM-1PM. Sign up here. 

5. CalArts Community Arts Partnership (Grades 9-12)- A 12-week program to learn about analogue photography on the CalArts Campus. Transportation available. Registration is open to all ability levels. Registration closes  on 1/15 OR when capacity is reached, so apply NOW if you want to ensure you get a spot. 

6. GirlsBuild: Video Games Course (Grades 9-12)- Open to ALL students with access to a computer/tablet and WiFi. 10 hour course to learn how to develop video games using MIT App Inventor! Grasp coding logic and understand the video game development process. $150 stipend and certificate upon completion of program requirements. Apply here. 

7. Winter Virtual STEM Immersion Programs (Grades 9-12)- 3 different areas of study: health science, computer science, and engineering. Learn from professionals and complete a team project. More info and applications here. Apply ASAP for early decision, or by Dec 15th at 11:59PM. 

8. Changeist (Grades 9-12)- Explore social issues and make change in your community. More info here. Eligible for community service hours. Apply here.

9. TurnUp Youth Activism Remote Internship (Grades 9-12)- participate in activism and learn civics, bolster your resume, earn valuable letters of recommendation. Flexible hours per week, apply anytime, eligible to win awards and prizes, broaden your networking, and hear from speakers. More info here. Eligible for community service hours. Apply here.

10. A Place Called Home (Grades 9-12)- FREE after school programs and services including athletics, dance, digital media, tutoring, music, and more! Eligible for community service hours. Rolling applications. Apply here.

11. SOLA TECH and Entrepreneurship Center Fall Session (Grades 9-12)- A variety of classes offered at the Center. There is a $25 enrollment fee that covers the whole year and you can take an unlimited number of classes. Enroll here. 

These applications have due dates coming up! To best increase your chance of acceptance, apply to these opportunities by the end of this month. 

1. CalArts Community Arts Partnership (Grades 9-12)- A 12-week program to learn about analogue photography on the CalArts Campus. Transportation available. Registration is open to all ability levels. Registration closes  on 1/15 OR when capacity is reached, so apply NOW if you want to ensure you get a spot. 

2. Bank of America Student Leaders (11th and 12th graders)- 8-week PAID Internship focusing on community service with local nonprofits plus an all expenses paid (i.e. free!) weeklong summit in Washington DC. More info here. App is now open and due 1/16/25 by 8:59PM (PST).

3. Call for Youth Artists: USC/EXPO Climate Chenge and Wellness Arts Project (ages 15+)- Gather stories to design and create art for social good in the community. You'll be learning about local sustainability practices, food issues, and other community issues, learning the artistic skills to do social media campaigns and murals. $200 stipend and community service hours available. More info and application here. Program starts 2/5, so apply NOW! 

4. LA-HIP STEM Internship at Children's Hospital LA (class of 2026 juniors)-hands-on laboratory-based research and mentorship support in their quest to become scientists or physician scientists. Stipend offered, meals provided. More info here. Virtual Info sessions here. Application is due 2/7 by 11:59PM. 

5. Tech Pathways Academy Spring Cohort (Ages 16-18)- 9-week virtual program to learn about high-earning career pathways in the tech sector. You'll be able to get certifications in AI, software development and cybersecurity and earn college credit. After completing this, you'll have access to paid internship opportunities for the summer. More info here. Apply here by 2/10. 

6. ExStRM (Grade 11)- 8-week PAID summer research training experience in health areas such as sickle cell, cancer, diabetes, and others, focusing on regenerative medicine at Charles Drew University, USC, or the Lundquist institute. More info here. Apply here by 2/15. 

7. Project STRIDE @ Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science (Grade 11)- A 10-week program at Charles Drew University of Medicine. You will be paired with a research mentor and design and execute a research project of your choice. College prep activities also available. Paid stipend for participation.  More info here. Apply here by 2/15.

8. Summer Science Research Program (must be 16 by 6/23/25)- live on campus at a university and conduct STEM research. Must meet prerequisites. Free to apply, financial aid available to cover expenses, room and board, and transportation. More info here. Apply here by 2/21. Eligible for community service hours. 

9. SAGES Mini Medical School Boot Camp (Grades 9-12)-FREE one-day experience on March 15th, 2025 from 8AM- 2PM. The day is designed to expose 9th-12th grade school students to the field of Surgery through hands-on experience and simulation. To maximize exposure, real-life surgeons/volunteers will mentor the students throughout the program. From video games that help decrease errors, to robots, to FLS and Top Gun surgical simulation drills. Make sure you do not miss this one-of-a-kind opportunity. Eligible for 10 community service hours. More info here. Apply here by 2/24. 

10. UCLA MATCH (Grades 10-11)- 10 week program focusing on Mentorship and Advocacy in Teaching Clinical Health Related Research (MATCH). You will be paired with undergraduate students to learn, conduct patient-oriented research, and receive career guidance to pursue meaningful careers in STEM. More information here. Apply here by 2/27. 

11. The Intern Project (grades 10-12)-  Students will build up career experience and enhance communication, networking, and professionalism through different career-building workshops. Activities include workshops, informational interviews, panel presentations, and skills workshop (communication, networking, organization and time management). In addition to the hands-on experience working at a company placement as their internship. Program dates: 6/17-8/8/25. PAID stipend, FREE college credit. More information here. Apply here by 3/1. 

12. LuskinOIC Summer Internship (Grades 10-11)- Recruitment will happen on-campus on Wednesday, Febraury 5th during lunch in the Ortho Library. Come, learn about the program, and get the application in-person. 

13. Turner-UCLA Allied Health Internship (Grades 11-12, including recent graduates)- 1-week program to learn about careers in the entry-level, allied health professions. For our students interested in pursuing careers in healthcare, we offer a range of shadowing opportunities from entry-level, clinical, and administrative positions, not all careers requiring traditional 4-year college education or med school. More information here. Apply here by 3/7 by 4:59PM. Short video required for application, so plan ahead. 

14. Summer Coding Leadership Academy (Young men of color, Grades 9-11) 10-week long program from 5/24-8/9 to gain coding skills and proficiency to create a mobile app that meets a social need. Free and no GPA requirement. More info here. Apply here by 3/23. 

15. Youth Mental Health Academy (Grades 9-12)-  YMHA is a 14 month program that provides hands-on learning in mental health science, practice, and communications through: project based learning, mentorship, paid internship, and integrated support. More information here. Apply here by 3/31. 

16. Biotechnology Opportunities for Leadership and Talent (BOLT!) (Grades 9-12)- The BOLT! Fellowship is a student-focused program designed to explore the diverse and dynamic fields within biotechnology. As part of the program, fellows will actively support the behind-the-scenes operations of the Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) while gaining up to 100 hours of comprehensive exposure to biotechnology. Eligible for community service. More info here. Submit a simple interest form here ASAP to be able to get a spot for their summer internship (applications are accepted on a rolling basis). 

17. Changeist (Grades 9-12)- Explore social issues and make change in your community. More info here. Eligible for community service hours. Apply here.

18. TurnUp Youth Activism Remote Internship (Grades 9-12)- participate in activism and learn civics, bolster your resume, earn valuable letters of recommendation. Flexible hours per week, apply anytime, eligible to win awards and prizes, broaden your networking, and hear from speakers. More info here. Eligible for community service hours. Apply here.

19. A Place Called Home (Grades 9-12)- FREE after school programs and services including athletics, dance, digital media, tutoring, music, and more! Eligible for community service hours. Rolling applications. Apply here.

20. SOLA TECH and Entrepreneurship Center Fall Session (Grades 9-12)- A variety of classes offered at the Center. There is a $25 enrollment fee that covers the whole year and you can take an unlimited number of classes. Enroll here.