Child Development Institute Volunteers in action, working with kids. Photo courtesy of cdikids.org

Child Development Institute Volunteer

Ages: High school students
Application Due: Ongoing
CDI Early Learning Centers promote school readiness in children through literacy, art, science, music, gardening, and wellness activities. High school volunteers receive mentoring and gain hands-on experience while they help lead programs bringing kids and their parents together for nature clubs, parenting workshops, and more. There are positions in Reseda and Canoga Park, as well as virtual volunteering from anywhere. For details, email program supervisor Jamie Olivas at Jolivas@cdikids.org.

City of Los Angeles Summer Job

Ages: Between 14-24 years old
Application Due: Ongoing
Referred to as Youth@Work or Hire LA’s Youth, the program enables young people in Los Angeles to become familiar with the job market and gain skills for future employment. There are virtual and in-person jobs, and participants in the program can earn $15 per hour while gaining 120 hours of work experience. The program is year-round with various jobs available and includes mentorship. Visit Hirelayouth.com and click the link "Apply to HIRE LA’s Youth Summer Employment Program."

 
It's summer camp, but kids get paid to go! Photo courtesy of Galileo Learning Camps

Summer Operations Intern, Galileo Learning Camps

Ages: 16 years or older
Application Due: TBD
Galileo is looking for high school students who are problem solvers with a positive attitude and a service mentality to become summer operations interns at camps throughout Southern California. Interns will support all aspects of the program, from taking attendance to leading games and other camp activities. There are positions at camps throughout Southern California, including Brentwood, Culver City, Encino/Sherman Oaks, Santa Monica, Venice/Mar Vista, and Westchester/Playa Vista.

The Intern Project

Ages: Sophomores, juniors, and seniors
Application Due: March 13, 2022, at 11:59pm PST
Outstanding students from Los Angeles County high schools gain work experience in their field of interest over a 4-week period in the summer. Those accepted in The Intern Project have a record of consistent attendance, high academic achievement, social media capability, and passion. Types of internships available to teens include: Sports, Healthcare/Medical Technology, Government/Non-Profit/Philanthropy, Engineering & Tech, Arts, Business, and Media & Entertainment.

UCLA BrainSPORT Program

Age: High school juniors and seniors
Application Due: Applications are available in March and due in April
This virtual high school research program offers participants the chance to learn about the most current, effective treatment for traumatic brain injury. The UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program uses forward-thinking research to develop interventions for sports-related concussions and brain health. The application is available in March and the deadline is in April.

 
Got a young artist? The MOCA Teen Internship program provides hands-on experience. Photo by Sean MacGillivray

MOCA Teen Internship Program

Ages: High school juniors and seniors
Application Due: Applications for the 2022/2023 Teen Program will be posted on the website in April 2022. For deadline updates, follow the program on Instagram @mocateens and by attending Virtual Teen Night, which is slated for mid-April.
In this year-long paid internship program, students get a behind-the-scenes look at careers involving contemporary art, artists, and museum operations. Interns meet at MOCA on Thursday nights and some weekends to work directly with museum professionals who create art, investigate exhibitions, and plan Teen Night events. For more information, call Jorge Espinosa at 213-633-5378 or email JEspinosa@moca.org.

 
Gen Z is all about nonprofits and giving back, making this program extra enticing. Photo courtesy of Bank of America

Bank of America Student Leader

Ages: High school juniors and seniors
Application Due: Late January
The 8-week paid internship places interns at local nonprofit organizations where participants develop leadership skills as they learn about serving the community. The high school students see firsthand the role that nonprofits play in their communities while gaining insight into government and business operations. Participants must be able to attend the Student Leaders Summit in Washington, DC in July. Contact cgsupport@cybergrants.com for more information.

Warner Media Honorship

Ages: Graduating high school seniors
Application Due: Late January
Seniors with artistic ability and a passion for a career in animation can apply for an Animation/Hanna-Barbera Honorship, an internship-scholarship package awarded to up to six students per year. Each winner is granted four full-time internships at the company for four consecutive summers while enrolled in college.

 
Photo courtesy of The Samuels Family Latino and African American High School Internship Program

Children’s Hospital LA

Ages: Junior in high school
Application Due: Early February
The Samuels Family LA-HIP (Latino and African American High School Internship Program) provides students from underrepresented minorities an opportunity to work in the STEM field. Participants are able to experience hands-on laboratory research and gain exposure to professional positions in science and medicine. The internship begins in June and ends with a Science Symposium in early August. For more information you can contact program coordinator Keara Reilly by emailing kreilly@chla.usc.edu or by calling 323-217-2319.