20 Aug The Intern Project – Summer 2025: A Season of Growth, Learning, and Firsts
By Sr. Manager of Career Pathway Connections, Jorge Flores
This summer, The Intern Project (TIP) reached a new milestone—115 high school students from across Los Angeles stepped into paid internships, gaining first-hand experience in industries ranging from arts and media to finance, STEM, hospitality, and nonprofits. Through partnerships with 20+ companies, students explored career paths at organizations such as the LA Rams, The Aerospace Corporation, America on Tech, Pulse Arts, 826LA, Hotel Bel-Air, BluePrint, and many others, with support from our partner GPSN.
Beyond their day-to-day work, interns participated in the second year of the LAUSD Work Readiness Program, a robust curriculum designed to prepare students for their future careers. Over the summer, they built polished resumes and cover letters, identified their professional support networks, completed job applications, practiced mock interviews, and strengthened their financial literacy. By the program’s end, every intern had completed these key artifacts. Sixty-nine students earned both the LAUSD Internship Ready Certificate and the LAUSD Work Ready Badge, while every participant proudly received the TIP Credly Badge.
This year also marked a first — our TIP Summer 2025 Celebration took place at Los Angeles Trade Technical College. The event featured a Career Conversations panel, where LATTC professors shared insights into industries including Business & Civic Engagement, Cosmetology, Design & Media Arts, and Applied Sciences. It was an inspiring space for students to connect classroom learning with real-world pathways.
See photos from the TIP Summer Celebration below!
The summer was defined by exploration, growth, and connection. Our deepest gratitude goes to our partners, TIP coaches, the LA Promise Fund family, and, most importantly, our students. Their enthusiasm and dedication made Summer 2025 an unforgettable chapter in TIP’s story. Follow us on Instagram to keep an eye out for updates about the upcoming TIP Exploration Program!
What TIP Interns Have to Say about Their Experience:
“This summer at Salem Partners gave me space to explore, ask questions, and learn. I’m now leaving with a stronger sense of direction and a deeper excitement to join the world of finance.” – Hiwot Fasika, Salem Partners
“Working at Pulse Arts through TIP was an incredible experience—I loved learning new marketing skills and collaborating with fellow interns. Having creative freedom to reflect my passions was my favorite part.” – Jenna Kim, Pulse Arts
“From professionalism to time management, TIP taught me that a job is more than the ‘forbidden word’—it’s a chance to grow your worldview.” – Nina Wu, Heart of Los Angeles
“It was a career field I never thought of exploring, but I’m so glad I did.” – Aleyda Carrillo Roman, America On Tech
“The TIP program helped me realize that I want to become an aerospace engineer.” – Lukas Ryan, The Aerospace Corporation
“I was able to obtain hands-on experience working with young students and witness their growth from beginning to end.” – Winsor McNeel, 826LA
