LAUSD Paid Internship Pipeline

The challenge

Students can develop creative skills in the classroom, but the transition from learning to paid professional experience is often difficult to access. During the pandemic, that gap became even greater as traditional internships and workplace experiences disappeared.

The Music to the Ears approach

• Deliver two paid internship cohorts serving 24 LAUSD students
• Connect students with real companies, creatives, and industry professionals
• Assign meaningful projects with professional expectations and deliverables
• Provide industry mentorship, project guidance, and workplace preparation

The experience

Students worked on real-world projects with iHeartMedia (REAL 92.3, DJ Hed), Pioneer DJ, UCLA Studio 22, and artist Justin BUA, contributing to design, marketing, research, beta testing, media, and other creative assignments under the direction of industry professionals.

Their work wasn't created simply for a classroom grade. Student contributions became part of company marketing materials, research initiatives, product feedback, and media content, giving participants experience producing work with a real audience and purpose.

The impact

• 24 LAUSD students participated across two paid internship cohorts
• Students earned income while gaining professional creative experience
• Participants built portfolios through real company projects and deliverables
• Industry professionals provided direct mentorship and feedback
• A career-connected model demonstrated how Creative Pathways can lead from classroom learning to paid work