About the BLoomberg Arts Internship (BAI)

The Department of Arts and Culture has partnered with Bloomberg Philanthropies to bring the Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program to Los Angeles County, as part of the Department's Creative Career Pathways for Youth work.  LA County BAI connects rising public high school seniors with paid summer internships at arts and cultural organizations, where they will learn valuable skills that prepare them for success in higher education or any career field they may choose to pursue. 

In addition to paid summer internships, LA County BAI provides intensive college-readiness preparation and professional development, including mentorship and weekly workshops, where participants can sharpen their writing skills and receive guidance on college applications, resulting in a full portfolio of work, including a cover letter, resume, and samples from their internship. Additionally, interns visit cultural institutions for special tours and career panels featuring working arts professionals. LA County BAI enables participants to develop skills in communication, problem-solving, team building, civic engagement, and college readiness.

Summer participants are eligible to continue their internships through BAI: School Year, an 22-week paid extension for high school seniors.

Program Components

• 8 weeks of intensive learning and work experience.
• At the Worksite: 3 internship days per week at a dynamic arts or cultural organization. There are 2-3 BAI interns per organization. Interns must complete 120 hours of paid work over the 8-week internship period, approximately 15 hours per week.
• Program Days: 2 days per week at a designated Regional Hub. There are 10-15 interns per Hub. Program Days include mentorship and workshops to sharpen writing skills, prep for college, explore creative career paths, and build other essential professional skills. Weekly visits to cultural institutions include special tours and career panels. Interns are paid a stipend for 90% participation in Program Days activities. Transportation support and lunch are provided.

BAI: Summer schedule*

*Schedule subject to change.

• 2027 LA County BAI: Summer: June 14 - August 6, 2027
• Internship Worksites: Mondays-Wednesdays, in person
• Program Days: Thursdays at the Hub; Fridays at cultural excursions. 
• Culmination Celebration: August 6, 2027
• 2027 BAI: School Year: September 2027-April 2028.

Who Can Apply?

The Bloomberg Arts Internship is designed for rising public high school seniors in Los Angeles County who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Eligible applicants will be entering their senior year in fall 2027, attend public high school in Los Angeles County, and live or attend high school within 10 miles of their internship worksite.
• Able to work in the United States legally.
• Not a current or former employee of the internship worksite, nor a relative of any of their current employees, board members, trustees, officers, or directors.
• Not a current or former BAI program participant at the internship worksite.

Applicants will be asked to provide high school ID to verify school district and grade, as well as proof of ability to work in the U.S.

We are committed to cultural equity and inclusion; all participating organizations are strongly encouraged to recruit and select students of diverse backgrounds, including students with disabilities.

Benefits for Students

• Paid Internship: Gain real-world experience at an arts organization.
• Mentorship: Connect with experienced professionals who will guide your growth and career exploration.
• Professional Development: Develop essential skills for success in any career path through workshops and training.
• Arts & Cultural Excursions: Immerse yourself in LA County's vibrant arts scene through exciting field trips.
• College & Career Readiness: Receive support with college applications, resume building, and career exploration.
• Transportation Assistance: Ensure easy access to program activities and internship sites.

How to apply

Applications for the 2027 BAI: Summer will open in March 2027. Eligible and interested students should check back for a listing of internship opportunities. 

For questions about the Los Angeles County Bloomberg Arts Internship program, please email BAI@arts.lacounty.gov

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