The She Ready Internship & Career Builder Program

Support for foster and systems-impacted youth

Expand existing project, program, or initiative (expanding and continuing ongoing, successful work)

The She Ready Foundation seeks to address the critical issue of homelessness and lack of opportunities among transition-aged foster youth (ages 18-26) in Los Angeles County. These young adults are at high risk of becoming homeless after aging out of the foster care system, often due to insufficient support, limited access to stable housing, and a lack of essential life and work skills. Many of these youth have experienced significant trauma, which further hinders their ability to transition smoothly into independent adulthood. By addressing these interconnected challenges, this program seeks to empower these young adults, reduce homelessness, and develop long-term economic and social stability in the community.

In 2021, the She Ready Internship & Career Builder project was launched as a pilot program to support foster youth transitioning to adulthood. Now fully implemented, it provides life skills training, paid internships, and training in filmmaking and storytelling to help these youth compete more equitably with their peers.
In 2025, the program will expand, doubling the number of participants. The She Ready Foundation will offer an 8–10-week cohabitation format that combines work, life skills, personal storytelling, and filmmaking. Participants will gain practical knowledge and creative arts therapy through filmmaking and personal storytelling, helping them cope with trauma and develop healthy coping mechanisms. They will work together to create their own films, gaining comprehensive filmmaking skills and hands-on industry experience.
The program also provides a supportive network, temporary housing, and paid internships, addressing barriers such as transportation, inconsistent housing, and financial strain. Additionally, the organization helps participants secure ongoing employment, housing, and higher education opportunities, providing essentials like clothing, hygiene items, laptops, internet, and networking opportunities. This approach ensures that participants not only learn life skills but also apply them successfully beyond the program.

The She Ready Foundation envisions its internship project as a catalyst for change, empowering foster youth with skills and opportunities, and reducing crime and homelessness. By offering hands-on work experience, the program enhances employability and boosts the local economy. It develops social cohesion, inclusivity, and creates inspiring role models. The program addresses talent gaps in industries, particularly film, driving economic growth. With a holistic approach, including mentorship and resources, it ensures personal and professional development. Community engagement through partnerships and volunteerism strengthens its impact. The intended impact is to create a generation of skilled, motivated individuals contributing positively to society. The foundation plans to scale this initiative to all of California, expanding its reach and incorporating more industries, promoting a healthier, more vibrant, interconnected community, and improving the quality of life for all residents.

The She Ready Internship & Career Builder Program aims to empower underrepresented foster youth with career opportunities and professional development. The goal is high internship completion rates, employment, and further education among participants. The impact is measured through year-over-year check-ins and satisfaction assessments, with ongoing support provided to all participants. Evidence includes success stories of interns winning film festival awards and earning college degrees, supported by annual reports and independent evaluations. To scale, the program plans to partner with more organizations, expand its reach, and improve based on data and feedback. The long-term goal is a sustainable, replicable model across California, offering multiple internship programs annually. This approach addresses immediate needs and fosters long-term positive outcomes for foster youth, enhancing community well-being and connectivity.