PROJECT SELF
Since 1995, in partnership with Orange County Chapter of the Association of Legal Administers, PROJECT SELF has offered summer internships at local law firms, and other related businesses, to qualifying high school seniors from Santa Ana. Each internship lasts for eight weeks, during which interns are paid for their work. PROJECT SELF works to reduce the risk of juvenile delinquency by providing youth with positive alternatives for spending their summers, access to professional and career environments they would not otherwise be exposed to, and the support of positive adult mentors.
Effective 2025 PROJECT SELF has enhanced its services. PROJECT SELF now assists at-promise, transition-age youth to identify their academic interests and complete career training or degree at a designated trade school, technical institute, community college, or 4-year university. Focus is placed on young people discovering a career path they want to pursue that offers certifications or degrees that lead to well-paying professions. Throughout the program, intensive case management services are provided to assist youth in overcoming barriers, connecting to resources, setting goals, developing life skills, and career exploration. Youth are required to attend our monthly personal and professional development workshops to increase their knowledge and expand their skill set. Experiential learning opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and campus tours may also be available through the program. Participating youth in the program are placed on promising career paths that will lead to a brighter future.