Actor and comedian Tiffany Haddish has launched a program for current and former California foster youth to receive paid internships in media, arts and entertainment.
Haddish’s She Ready Productions, in partnership with the nonprofit Ready to Succeed, will provide the youth selected with training, mentorship and networking possibilities. Applicants selected for the She Ready Internship will be paid and reimbursed for travel and work-related expenses. The 38-year-old Haddish, who grew up in the Los Angeles County foster care system, will personally mentor the interns.
Candidates must be between the ages 18 and 25 years old and attending a four-year college in California, and be legally authorized to work in the U.S. More information can be found by visiting the website: https://readytosucceedla.org/she-ready.
Applicants interested in pursuing the internships can attend an information session in November, with applications due by January. The plan is for finalists to be selected by the end of February, and interns to be matched with companies by early spring of 2022.
Applicants who aren’t selected for an internship won’t go away empty-handed. They’ll have a chance to attend various industry and career-readiness events.
Ready to Succeed, which is dedicated to helping former foster youth like Haddish make their mark in the world, will provide interns with an orientation, followed by professional development training.
Explaining the importance of the internship program, Haddish told the Hollywood Reporter: “I believe that children that come from different cultures deserve a chance to work in the industry and I would like people that look like me to be able to represent me too in the industry.”