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Oakland School for the Arts

Oakland School for the Arts

The OSA Internship Program Purpose, Process, Outcome

The OSA Internship Program Purpose, Process, Outcome

Program: The OSA Internship Program is offered as a work based learning real world experience to offer students a transformative opportunity to work in the arts, media, and entertainment professional environments. Working with pathway specific industry professionals who will also serve as mentors, students will develop written, verbal, or nonverbal communication skills in a variety of forms and contexts to convey meaning through the production, performance, presentation, and/or exhibition of works of art through active practice, rehearsal, and/or creation, time management and collaboration skills, all of which is essential for success in both higher education and the arts, media, and entertainment workforce.
 
Purpose: Through internship opportunities students will develop a strong foundation for post secondary education and future career endeavors. The course will span one academic year, divided into two semesters, in semester one students will attend capstone classes that will offer backwards mapping for career exploration, that includes; career research, mock interviews, job shadowing,  post secondary best supports: college research 4year, 2 year trade schools.
 
 
Work-Based Learning & Internships
Every Student. Every Year. Every Pathway

We connect students to professional experiences across the creative economy, including:
Museum and gallery internships
Theatre and film crew placements
Fashion studio apprenticeships
Podcast and radio production
Community design projects and commissions
 
Student-Led Learning
Empowering Student Voice, Leadership, and Agency

At Oakland School for the Arts students don’t just follow the curriculum—they co-create it. Our model includes:

Student Advisory Councils for each pathway
Student-led critiques, exhibitions, performances, and fashion shows
Peer Artist Educators and Teaching Assistants in younger grades
Voice in school governance, hiring panels, and curriculum review
 
Integrated Project Spotlights

“Afrofuturism ” – A zero-waste fashion collection with live commentary from science students on environmental impacts.
“Echoes of Justice” – A multimedia collaboration between visual arts, digital media, and theatre to explore civil rights movements past and present.
“” – An instrumental music and algebra unit breaking down frequency, patterns, and harmony through composition.
 
Outcome: Our program aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed in their future academic and career endeavors through strengthening the students:
 
  • Confidence and Independence
  • Personal Development
  • Career Awareness
  • Skill Acquisition
  • Mentorship and Guidance
  • Academic Improvement
  • Enhanced Resumes and College Applications
  • Making an informed decision on post secondary education and career
 
Partners
African American Museum and Library at Oakland
Alameda Publishing Corporation
California State University, East Bay
Cape and Cowl Comics
Flatline Productions
Joyce Gordon Gallery
McMullens Boutique
Musically Minded Academy
Oakland Theater Project
Oakland Style Week
Oakland Works Wednesday
One the On Productions
Proper Fashions LLC
Purple Cherry Productions
Still I Rise Films/Moment In Time Productions
The Reef Recording Studios
 
 
We are seeking to expand our internship offerings, if you have a company that aligns with the Arts, Media, and Entertainment sector please contact Our arts Pathway Director Dr. Delores Thompson, at dthompson@oakarts.org or call (510) 873-8800.