About the BLoomberg Arts Internship (BAI)

The Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture is partnering with Bloomberg Philanthropies to launch the Bloomberg Arts Internship (BAI) program in Los Angeles County, as part of the Department's Creative Career Pathways for Youth initiative.  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. Since 2012, the program has supported more than 1,900 internships at more than 250 cultural organizations across seven cities.

In addition to paid summer internships, LA County BAI provides intensive college-readiness preparation and professional development, including mentorship and weekly classroom 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, LA County BAI provides field trips to cultural institutions, with special tours and guest speakers. 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 8 to 9-month paid extension for high school seniors.

Program Components

• Duration: June 15 - August 7, 2026; 8 weeks of intensive learning and work experience.
• Paid Arts Internship: 3 days per week at a dynamic arts or cultural organization. There are 2-3 BAI interns per worksite.
• Program Days: Hosted by Regional Hub Partners, 2 days per week of engaging workshops, fun activities, and cultural experiences at sites across LA County. (Transportation support is available.)
• College & Career Readiness: Mentorship, college prep, creative career path exploration, resume building, and essential professional skills.

BAI: Summer schedule

• Paid Internship: June 15 - August 7, 2026; 3 internship days at the worksite. Interns must complete 120 hours of paid work over the 8-week internship period, approximately 15 hours per week.
• Program Days: Interns must attend 2 Program Days per week at their designated Regional Hub. Interns will not be paid for Program Days. Transportation support and lunch are provided.

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:

• For 2026, internships will take place in the San Fernando Valley, Metro Los Angeles, and South Los Angeles. Eligible applicants live and attend public high school in one of these areas and will be entering their senior year in fall 2026.
• 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.

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 2026 BAI: Summer program open April 8, 2026. Eligible and interested students will apply directly with participating internship worksites. A full list of internship positions, including job descriptions, locations, and more, will be posted on April 8, 2026.

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

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