The Center for Scholars and Storytellers at UCLA is now accepting applications for a paid summer internship program. The CSS 2025 Youth Media REPresentation Program is for teens ages 13 to 18 and will focus on amplifying youth voices at the intersection of scientific research and the entertainment industry to promote inclusive and authentic representation by providing training in research, expression, and public engagement.
Photo: Scholars and Storytellers
Organizers say the program provides opportunities for CSS youth to shape media by conducting research among their peers, sharing their perspectives, and communicating their insights to the people who create stories for and about youth. Teens will work with the CSS team to share their perspectives, conduct research in their communities on a topic of their choosing within media, and effectively communicate their insights to people who create stories for and about youth. Undergraduate interns also provide mentorship and guidance to our youth as well as contribute their own POV as older adolescents.
"This is the only program we know of where teens actually read real scripts and give notes to writers," said Yalda T. Uhls of Scholars and Storytellers. "They'll do research, speak to different storytellers, do public speaking and give notes."
Things to know before you apply:
- The Summer iteration of the program will run from June 2nd to August 6th with two one-hour Zoom meetings a week on Mondays and Wednesdays. Approximately 1-2 hours of homework per week (though some research-intensive weeks may require 3-4 hours/week).
- The Fall iteration of the program will run on Mondays from September 23rd, 2025 - December 9th 2025 (Via Zoom) @ 6:00 PM PST- 7:00 PM PST on Mondays
- The Academic iteration of the program will run on Mondays from January 26th, 2026 - May 4th 2026 (Via Zoom) @ 6:00 PM PST- 7:00 PM PST on Mondays
- Students involved in the program will receive a stipend of $500. Participants will earn the stipend across three different periods during the program.
To apply visit the Youth Media REPresentation Program website.