12 Aug The Intern Project: Summer 2026 Recap
By Jorge Flores, Associate Director of Career Pathway Connections
This summer, The Intern Project (TIP) reached an exciting milestone by placing more than 130 high school students in paid internships across Los Angeles County. This is TIP’s largest cohort ever. Through these experiences, students explored career pathways, developed professional skills, built meaningful relationships, and gained firsthand exposure to the workplace.
TIP’s employer network also continued to grow. Through our partnership with GPSN, we welcomed 10 additional companies into the TIP network, expanding the range of opportunities available to our students. We also continued our partnership with The Academy Group, allowing us to place more students in internships throughout Southeast Los Angeles, Baldwin Hills, and Inglewood.
Students gained experience at organizations representing industries such as technology, entertainment, engineering, finance, hospitality, education, environmental sustainability, sports, and nonprofit service. Participating employers included 826LA, the Los Angeles Rams, The California Endowment, Wild Card Creative Group, the Petersen Automotive Museum, America On Tech, Fifth Sun Pictures, Kid City Hope Place, Salem Partners, Buro Happold, BluePrint, Hotel Bel-Air, STEM Collective, Grades of Green, and many more.
Beyond their day-to-day internship responsibilities, students participated in a professional development curriculum organized around eight major events. These experiences helped interns strengthen their resumes, communication, interviewing, networking, financial literacy, and overall workplace readiness.
This year, we also relaunched TIP Career Conversations, creating a dedicated space for professionals to share their career journeys, lessons learned, and practical advice with our student cohort. We had the pleasure of welcoming some of our Young Professional Council Members to participate in this virtual event. These conversations allowed interns to learn directly from professionals while gaining a clearer understanding of the many pathways available after high school.
For the second consecutive year, TIP supported students in earning certifications through the LAUSD Work Readiness Program. More than 50 students became eligible to receive the LAUSD Internship Ready Certificate and Work Ready Badge. Additionally, all 136 TIP participants successfully earned the TIP Credly Badge, recognizing their completion of the program and confirming the professional skills they developed throughout the summer.
While career preparation remained at the center of the program, we also created opportunities for students to build community and enjoy their summer together. During our special TIP Hangout Day, interns visited the Petersen Automotive Museum, where they learned about the organization, explored its exhibitions, and discovered more about the history and cultural impact of automobiles.
Los Angeles Trade-Technical College once again played a special role in the TIP experience by hosting both our in-person orientation and summer celebration. The two events were filled with energy, excitement, and programming designed to help students succeed during their internships and continue growing after the summer.
From the first day of orientation to the final celebration, Summer 2026 was defined by growth, professionalism, exploration, and connection. We extend our deepest gratitude to the employers, partners, professionals, and collaborators who helped make these opportunities possible.
Most importantly, we thank our TIP Summer 2026 interns. They showed up each day with enthusiasm, curiosity, and professionalism. Their commitment made this summer unforgettable, and we look forward to seeing where their experiences, skills, and ambitions take them next.
