Enterprise for Youth Welcomes its First-Ever Bloomberg Arts Internship Cohort
The arts are more than a source of inspiration, but rather a powerful pathway to workforce development. This Summer, Enterprise for Youth is proud to partner with Bloomberg Philanthropies to bring the Bloomberg Arts Internship to San Francisco.
Through the program, public high school students are connected with paid internships at local cultural institutions, where they gain hands-on professional experience and develop valuable skills that prepare them for success in higher education and any career field they may choose to pursue. The Bloomberg Arts Internship is designed to help prepare the next generation for success in the workforce, whether in the arts or other industries. In addition to a 7-8 week paid internship, participants receive college preparation support, dedicated mentorship, and many educational and cultural field trips throughout the summer.
One of the unique strengths of the Bloomberg Arts Internship is its focus on workforce development through arts. Interns gain real world experience while exploring creative career pathways and learning how the skills they develop in arts organizations can translate to success in any professional field.
Group of Enterprise for Youth’s 1st Bloomberg Arts Internship cohort!
In addition to workplace experience, students participate in professional development workshops designed to prepare them for their future endeavors. The youth will be building portfolios, which includes resume, cover letters, writing samples, and internship projects while also receiving guidance on college applications and career exploration. The program also provides opportunities for students to visit cultural institutions throughout the city and learn the many ways arts and cultures contribute to vibrant communities.
Since its launch in 2012, the Bloomberg Arts Internship has supported more than 2700 internships at over 420 cultural organizations nationwide. The program currently operates in Baltimore, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, New Orleans, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Summer Participants are also eligible to continue their involvement through BAI: School Year, an 8-9 month paid internship extension for high school seniors, and BAI:College, an intensive summer opportunity for college students seeking to further explore their options for the future.
The impact of the program continues to be significant. Bloomberg Arts Internship alumni enroll in college at rates that exceed national averages, and many students report increased confidence in their proficiency when it comes to collaboration, communication, and professional responsibility, research has also shown that art based experiences help the youth strengthen the critical thinking, creativity, and problem solving abilities that employers increasingly value in today’s workforce.
Enterprise for Youth is honored to join Bloomberg Arts Internship network and help create meaningful opportunities for young people throughout San Francisco. For 2026, we have 26 interns across 16 different intern host sites! We look forward to celebrating our interns, highlighting their accomplishments, and sharing their experience throughout the summer.
