LA Auto Show Student Field Trip

Why this field trip matters

The automotive industry is rapidly changing. Electric vehicles, digital technology, advanced manufacturing, media, gaming, design, software, entertainment, and new mobility platforms are creating careers that extend far beyond the traditional roles students may associate with automobiles. The LA Auto Show brings that entire ecosystem together under one roof. By experiencing the show firsthand, students can connect what they are learning in school, and what they already love, to real companies, technologies, professionals, and career possibilities.

Creative Pathways students can explore

Students will discover opportunities across:

• Automotive Design & Creative Arts
• EV, Clean Technology & Engineering
• Media, Content & Storytelling
• Brand, Marketing & Business
• Technology & Software
• Gaming, Esports & Simulation
• Motorsports & Performance
• Music, Sound & Experiential
• Events & Live Production
• Entrepreneurship & Innovation

The experience

School groups will explore the LA Auto Show through a career-connected learning lens, engaging with automotive brands, emerging technologies, interactive exhibits, and professionals across the industry.

Students will be encouraged to observe, ask questions, document their experience, and identify the Creative Pathways that connect their interests to potential careers.

It's more than a field trip. It's an opportunity for students to see where their interests can take them.

Schools are responsible for

• Student transportation
• Required school supervision
• District field trip approvals
• Lunch and snacks

Included

• Discounted K-12 student admission
• Complimentary admission for required school chaperones
• Access to immersive educational experiences
• Career-connected learning opportunities
• Student engagement activities

Opening Day field trip: participating schools will experience

• Immersive Creative Career Activations
• Automotive Design Experiences
• Electric Vehicle & Future Mobility Exhibits
• Automotive Media & Content Creation
• Brand Marketing Experiences
• Industry Career Panels
• Interactive Technology Demonstrations
• Creative Entrepreneurship Experiences

Year-round Creative Pathways programs

Schools may also participate in year-round programming delivered by Music to the Ears Foundation and Academix, including:

• BEAT Lab Experiences
• Creative Career Days
• Industry Guest Speakers
• Workforce Development Workshops
• Automotive Media Projects
• Career Exploration Curriculum
• Student Leadership Opportunities
• Community and Family Engagement Events

Student learning outcomes

Students will:

• Explore emerging careers throughout the automotive industry
• Connect their personal interests to future career opportunities
• Learn how creativity, technology and business intersect within mobility
• Meet professionals representing diverse career pathways
• Develop awareness of postsecondary education and workforce opportunities
• Build career readiness, communication and creative problem-solving skills
• Gain exposure to electric vehicles, future mobility and automotive innovation
• Better understand how classroom learning connects to future careers

CTE & VAPA alignment

This experience supports Career Technical Education (CTE), Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA), and college and career readiness initiatives, including pathways such as:

• Arts, Media & Entertainment: Design, Visual & Media Arts; Production & Managerial Arts; Performing Arts; Game Design & Integration; Animation; Film & Video Production; Digital Media
• Information & Communication Technologies: Software & Systems Development; Networking; Media Technology; Interactive Media
• Engineering & Architecture: Engineering Design; Product Design; Advanced Manufacturing; Robotics; Transportation Technologies
• Marketing, Sales & Service: Marketing; Entrepreneurship; Business Management; Professional Sales
• Transportation: Automotive Technology; Electric Vehicle Technologies; Emerging Mobility Systems

Funding opportunities

Schools may utilize available funding sources, where applicable, including the following. Schools are encouraged to consult with their district regarding eligible funding sources.

• Expanded Learning Opportunities Program (ELO-P)
• Proposition 28 Arts & Music in Schools Funding
• California Arts Project (CAP)
• Career Technical Education (CTE) Funds
• Perkins V
• Strong Workforce Program
• Local Control Funding Formula (LCFF)
• Title I
• Title IV
• Community Schools Funding
• District discretionary career readiness and enrichment funds

Invitation to Southern California schools

Schools are invited from Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties. Schools throughout California are also welcome to participate, from San Diego to Sacramento. Special accommodations may be available for schools traveling longer distances; contact Music to the Ears Foundation for additional information.