Pathways to Purpose: Virtual Sustainability Internships

K-12 STEAM education

South LA West LA South Bay Long Beach Other

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

Despite an increased demand for green jobs and internships due to pressing environmental issues, young people struggle to secure well-paying and sustainable careers due to limited access to hands-on learning, mentorship, and professional networks. Specific challenges include:
Most schools aren’t yet equipped to integrate AI or teach the real-world skills students need for today’s workforce.
Historically marginalized students, such as low-income, first-generation, Latinx, Black, and Indigenous students—who make up the majority of the high school student population in California—are less likely to have workforce development exposure, education, or skills training in high school.
Students in low-income or disadvantaged communities face barriers to accessing career development opportunities—lack of funds, transportation, connections, and networking opportunities.
Limited financial aid and mentorship opportunities further restrict access to higher education and career pathways.

Grades of Green’s SOAR Virtual Internship Program will expand access to hands-on, career-connected learning for high school students across Los Angeles County—especially those from historically marginalized communities. With LA2050’s support, SOAR will deliver virtual internships that connect students with sustainability leaders across diverse industries—from aerospace to entertainment—and equip them with the skills, mentorship, and guidance needed to pursue meaningful careers in sustainability.
SOAR offers 8 unique four-week online courses each year, each centered on an industry-specific sustainability challenge. Students collaborate with corporate partners like Subaru Pacific and Northrop Grumman to explore real-world environmental issues and design actionable solutions. Integrated AI tools help personalize learning, translate course content, and support individualized career counseling. Each student builds an e-portfolio with job-ready skills, resume support, and clear pathways to future opportunities.
In communities where traditional internships are out of reach due to cost, transportation, or lack of connections, SOAR removes barriers and builds bridges. This program empowers students to step into leadership roles, transform their futures, and create tangible environmental impact—right from their own neighborhoods.

With support from LA2050, Grades of Green will expand SOAR’s virtual internships to serve 200 high school students from historically marginalized communities across Los Angeles County. These students will gain industry-specific sustainability experience, mentorship from professionals, and individualized career counseling through AI-powered tools—all from home. In the short term, students will graduate more career-ready, with e-portfolios and practical skills aligned to green and sustainability-integrated roles. In the long term, SOAR aims to build a pipeline of climate-conscious leaders who influence sustainability practices across sectors. By 2026, we will refine the model based on L.A. student outcomes and scale to additional California districts, building toward a national framework. This vision will expand access, close opportunity gaps, and drive youth-led environmental change throughout L.A. County and beyond.