Youth Champions, a Los Angeles nonprofit providing paid personal development internships to high school students in underserved communities, today announced open enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year.
The 24-week program combines live virtual workshops, six in-person field trips, mentorship, career exposure, and life-skills development to help students build confidence, financial literacy, goal setting, communication skills, leadership, critical thinking, and a stronger vision for their future.
Accepted students can earn up to $1,000 based on participation to complete this free program offering virtual workshops and in-person field trips in the Los Angeles area, where students will gain access to professional mentors, networking opportunities, and hands-on learning experiences designed to help them prepare for college, career, and life after high school. Alumni of this program have gone on to attend Ivy League universities, earn full-ride scholarships, enter skilled trades, and launch their own companies.
“For a lot of these students, this is the first time someone is paying them to bet on themselves,” said Jack Cline, co-founder and chair of Youth Champions. “We have 600 seats available and a city full of teenagers who deserve one. If you’re in high school in Los Angeles, we want you to apply.”
Who Should Apply
Los Angeles high school students in grades 10–12 who are motivated to build a brighter future but may not have access to the same opportunities as their peers should apply. Whether you’re the first in your family planning to attend college, balancing school with work or family responsibilities, or simply looking for mentors, career exposure, and leadership opportunities you haven’t had before, this program was built for you.
How to Apply
Applications are open August 17 through August 21 at www.youth-champions.org/apply.
About Youth Champions
Youth Champions is a Los Angeles nonprofit that pays underserved high school students to invest in their own futures through a paid personal growth internship. Built on the belief that a student’s opportunities shouldn’t depend on their parents’ financial capacity, the program opens doors many of these teens have never seen and changes what they believe is possible. Over a 24-week curriculum of live virtual workshops, in-person field trips, mentorship, speaker sessions, and book clubs, students build real skills: critical thinking, leadership, financial literacy, business acumen, goal-setting, and the positive mindset needed to push through setbacks.
To learn more about the program, visit www.youth-champions.org.
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