Youth Development, Education & Nonprofit Intern

Fall 2026 internship (September 1 - December 4, 2026). Open to students 18+ enrolled in a college or university internship program seeking school credit through real-world nonprofit experience. Students with specific hour or scheduling requirements are welcome to note their availability in the application.

About HMA

Hopeless Music Academy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing tuition-free music and music business education to under-resourced youth ages 12-17 in Los Angeles, at zero cost to students and families.

What You'll Gain

• Direct mentorship from Program Director Rheanna 'caedance' Lauren
• Hands-on, in-person experience working directly with students
• Portfolio-building work relevant to youth development, education, counseling, family services, or nonprofit management
• Exposure to how a small nonprofit is actually built and run, from student recruitment to family relationships
• Expanded network in LA's youth services and nonprofit space

Objective

Build practical skills in youth engagement and program support across the semester, with a focus on being present with students, supporting recruitment and family outreach, and helping shape programming that works well for kids.

Responsibilities

Tasks will shift throughout the semester depending on programming needs. At different points, you may be:

• Working in person with students during sessions
• Supporting student recruitment efforts
• Conducting family outreach and communication
• Helping prepare programming, educational content, and activities suited to our students
• Helping ensure our program approach stays current and informed by best practices
• Providing general administrative support

Qualifications

• Must be willing to do a Live Scan, Mandated Reporter Training, and drug test during onboarding
• Comfortable and confident working with youth ages 12-17
• Experience or coursework in youth work, child development, education, counseling, family services, or camp/program settings
• Detail-oriented, organized, and reliable
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English
• Comfortable in a small, fast-moving startup-style environment
• Genuine interest in understanding how a nonprofit operates from the ground up

Schedule

8-15 hours/week, flexible based on school requirements. Hybrid (Los Angeles area).