JOBS CREATE PEACE

Access to tech and creative industry employment

South LA

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

Violence is a symptom of poverty and Jobs Create Peace. We address the lack of access to free and affordable technical training in the areas of tech and creative arts through our Exposure, Immersion and Diversion programs. Participants are exposed and immersed into career paths that are normally not available to them, which in turn diverts them from violence and promotes public safety. NDICA utilizes trauma informed evidence-based programming that has been proven to reduce gang activity, violent and criminal behavior, and recidivism. Mass incarceration, poverty and exposure to violence have created generations of trauma. The disproportionate number of arrests and hyper-incarceration of people of color have had a direct impact on priority populations and communities most harmed by violence. Rebuilding a life after incarceration is challenging and many lack the skills and technical resources needed to find gainful employment or lack the capital, both social and financial.

Jobs Create Peace program will provide at-risk individuals ages 16 and above a 10-week vocational training for a pathway to careers in the TV and film industry. The program will consist of 3 cohorts with 15 students per cohort. Outreach will be done through community engagement events and referrals in the community. The students will create a 3-minute short video/film and display their campaign at a community showcase at the culmination of the program. They will also be able to use their content creation skills to monetize their talents on social media platforms. The goal is to equip the students from the South LA community with foundational skills to become multifaceted professionals in the TV and film industry and enter their “Professional Program Pipeline” for immediate internship and job opportunities. This is designed for a new generation of Black and Brown story tellers. The program provides an unrivaled approach to hands-on, interactive learning, where students find themselves completely immersed in their course studies throughout the 10- week training. Classes are taught by award-winning industry professionals and trained lo the level of professional production skills. Specifically, our organization will provide job training, job placement, and career advancement services to young adults from marginalized communities, focusing People of Color. These efforts will lead to well-paying careers behind the camera in commercials, television, film, and streaming media.

Proven Success in Program Services: From 2021 to 2024, NDICA’s workforce programs reduced recidivism and violence by 75% among participants, demonstrating the transformative power of employment combined with trauma-informed care.
Economic Empowerment through Employment: NDICA’s Jobs Create Peace initiative, and its workforce development programs have proven that employment significantly reduces poverty, gun violence and recidivism.
At its core, NDICA is dedicated to addressing the disparities left by systemic disinvestment, with a focus on uplifting communities through:
1. Employment Opportunities: Increasing representation in industries like T.V and Film where communities of color have been historically excluded.
2. Youth Empowerment: Reducing gang involvement through mentorship and skill development.
By combining economic empowerment, restorative justice, and community engagement, NDICA continues to create pathways for success and equity in Los Angeles, and beyond.