Careers in Entertainment Youth Program

Access to tech and creative industry employment

County of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a countywide benefit) City of Los Angeles (select only if your project has a citywide benefit)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

Latino and BIPOC youth in Los Angeles, many of whom are first-generation students, face persistent barriers to entering the media and entertainment industry, from underfunded schools, limited college and career counseling, to a lack of culturally relevant mentorship. Despite making up over 70% of LAUSD students, they remain underrepresented in creative and leadership roles. A 2024 analysis showed that Latinos make up just 5.5% of media executives, 2-5% of screenwriters, and 4% of film leads in Hollywood. This absence reinforces damaging stereotypes, stifles ambition, and signals that their voices don't belong. At a time when media shapes identity, opportunity, and power, this disconnect erodes confidence and limits their ability to see themselves as architects of culture. If we fail to act, we risk another generation growing up without seeing themselves in the stories that define our world or believing they can shape them.

The Careers in Entertainment Youth Program is designed to confront the lack of accessible resources for underserved youth pursuing careers in entertainment. The program offers a one-day immersive experience, with 2-3 annual occurrences, with a co-hort of 12-15 students each, to occur at least twice a year. The entertainment industry offers a broad spectrum of careers, many of which students are unaware of. NHMC seeks to close this gap by offering direct access to professionals across the entertainment pipeline, from on-camera roles to behind-the-scenes work in writing, directing, talent management, PR, and production. The main focus of the program are the segments:  an Actor Segment where talent discusses issues of identity, resilience, and representation in Hollywood; a Music Industry Segment focused on songwriting, engineering, and producing; and an Entertainment Representation Segment spotlighting roles in PR and talent management. Each segment includes moderated conversations, Q&A opportunities, and guided insight. These guest speakers not only share their career journeys but also serve as relatable role models who reflect the students’ identities and aspirations. Students also participate in interactive workshops and networking games to build communication skills and foster connections with mentors and peers. At the end of the program, participants receive a Certificate of Completion and a curated list of mentorship contacts and career development resources.

Upon success, the Youth Program will transform Los Angeles by empowering Latino and BIPOC youth to overcome systemic barriers and become leaders in media and entertainment. By increasing career knowledge and building professional networks with at least three new industry contacts per student, the program fosters confidence and connection. As participants gain career knowledge and build industry connections, they will access opportunities previously out of reach, leading to more diverse voices in storytelling, production, and decision-making. Over time, a growing network of mentored youth will enter the workforce prepared to innovate and influence, driving equity in hiring and leadership across the industry. This ripple effect will strengthen community pride, economic opportunity, and social inclusion, making LA’s entertainment industry a model of cultural equity and empowerment.