This summer, Palos Verdes Magazine launched its very first internship program, welcoming six talented students from El Camino College to form the PVM Street Team. These creative interns, Cifen Tones, Isabel Galvan, Cades Madrigal, Devin Gough, Lauren Farrar, and Natalie Cortez hit the streets of Palos Verdes to capture the community in motion.
Armed with cameras, creativity, and a whole lot of energy, the PVM Street Team documented hot spots and happenings around the Peninsula, transforming everyday moments into engaging Instagram reels and stories. For the first time, PVM didn’t just tell stories on paper, it brought them to life on screens, connecting with the community in new and exciting ways.
The interns learned the ins and outs of shooting and editing reels for social media, sharpening their technical skills while building confidence behind the lens. They also stepped into the world of live production, contributing to the filming of Local to Global, the magazine’s new YouTube show that spotlights the South Bay and beyond.
For many of the interns, this hands-on experience marked a turning point in their creative journeys. “This internship has been such a great experience,” said Natalie Cortez. “I’ve gotten the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, feedback from professionals, and I’ve met so many other people that share similar goals. If I can make a living doing art, then that’s the ultimate dream.”
Her fellow teammates echoed that same passion and drive. Whether it was fine-tuning edits, capturing on-location footage, or brainstorming fresh content ideas, each member brought their unique perspective and talent to the project. Together, they helped shape a new chapter for the magazine.
The PVM Street Team proved that the future of storytelling is in motion on the streets, online, and on screen. With their creativity and dedication, these El Camino College interns not only gained invaluable industry experience but also helped Palos Verdes Magazine connect with the community in a whole new way.
This summer, 32 high school students from the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District (PVPUSD) stepped into a unique opportunity: the district’s Advanced Internship Program, designed and delivered in partnership with Nova School. Instead of taking on traditional summer jobs, these students immersed themselves in cutting-edge projects across industries – gaining confidence, career clarity, and future-ready skills while making a real impact for the organizations they served.
At the heart of the program was the strength of public-private partnerships. Nova School prepared students for the future of work by helping them develop essential 21st-century skills including Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Artificial Intelligence. Through hands-on workshops and guided support, students were empowered to take on real company projects that built their confidence and showcased their potential.
Employers across 12 organizations – from real estate firms to city government and innovation labs – opened their doors and gave students the chance to learn in authentic workplace settings. Some internships focused on mentorship, like real estate placements that emphasized relationship-building and business fundamentals. Others encouraged bold ideas, such as technology, healthcare and innovation-focused projects where students created and presented new concepts.
The summer program culminated in The LEAD Summit, a signature Nova School event that showcases Gen Z leadership. Hosted by PVPUSD at the UCLA South Bay campus, the Summit brought together students, parents, educators, and employers for a bold showcase. Students presented their internship projects in a professional setting that mirrored a college or industry conference. In just a few weeks, they had grown from learners to leaders – building confidence in public speaking, teamwork, critical thinking, and creativity. The Summit served as both a capstone experience for the interns and an inspiration for the broader community, underscoring the program’s mission to develop the next generation of leaders.
The program’s impact was transformative. For students, it meant stepping into real workplaces, building confidence, and gaining clarity about their futures. For parents, it was an opportunity to see their children stretched and empowered in ways classrooms alone cannot provide. Employers benefited from the fresh ideas and energy Gen Z brings, while educators and civic leaders celebrated how these experiences elevated the entire local youth ecosystem.
By aligning education with real-world relevance, the program didn’t just prepare students for their next steps – it positioned PVPUSD as a leader in innovation, community partnership, and future-ready learning.
With its inaugural year a success, the program is now looking to expand. More employers, community partners, and mentors are invited to join the effort, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to leave high school with not just a diploma, but also a plan, a purpose, and a pathway.
