Entertainment Industry Training Program (EITP)

The  Entertainment Industry Training Program (EITP) is a youth workforce development and creative education program operated by Concerned Citizens of South-Central Los Angeles (CCSCLA) that introduces young people to careers in the film, television, and media industries.

Founded in 1997, EITP was created to give  inner-city youth ages 12–18  access to the many career opportunities that exist behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. The program was launched through a partnership between CCSCLA and major industry leaders including  DreamWorks SKG, with support from executives such as Jeffrey Katzenberg, as well as professionals from companies like Sony Pictures Entertainment and major television networks.

Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences, EITP teaches students about the many roles involved in film and television production—including directing, writing, cinematography, editing, sound, lighting, wardrobe, production design, and other technical and creative careers.

Students participate in industry-led workshops, studio visits, and on-set learning experiences where they interact directly with filmmakers, producers, and entertainment professionals. Participants also develop their own creative projects, such as short films, music videos, and public service announcements.

In recent years, the program has expanded its reach to also introduce formerly incarcerated individuals and their family members to opportunities within the entertainment industry. This expansion is significant because the entertainment industry has historically been more open to employing individuals with criminal backgrounds than many other sectors. Employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals are often limited, and access to stable, living-wage careers can play a vital role in successful reentry and long-term stabilization after incarceration.

By providing training, exposure, and professional connections, EITP helps participants develop creative skills, build confidence, and explore pathways toward meaningful employment in film, television, and digital media.

Since its founding in 1997, the program has continued to introduce new generations of participants to careers in the entertainment industry and remains an important part of CCSCLA’s ongoing commitment to community empowerment, workforce development, and creative opportunity.



Youth Development - ​ ACYFC


Between 1997 and 2018, the Antes Columbus Youth Football Club (ACYFC), founded through a partnership between CCSCLA and Los Angeles Metropolitan Churches (LMC), building a bridge between the Latino and African American residents using the game of soccer, which both groups already participated in.

ACYFC provided entrepreneurial training in sports-related businesses, including venue management, broadcast recording and editing, concessions management, referee training, league administration, and manufacturing retail uniforms.

To further the goals of ACYFC, CCSCLA developed two synthetic soccer fields for play in the Vernon Central community. In 2002 CCSCLA helped facilitate the Nike donation of a synthetic field to Ross Snyder Park and facilitated the collection of resources to develop a field at George Washington Carver Middle School. ACYFC served more than 2000 families during its operations.

The  Entertainment Industry Training Program (EITP)  is a youth workforce development and creative education program operated by  Concerned Citizens of South-Central Los Angeles (CCSCLA)  that introduces young people to careers in the film, television, and media industries.

Founded in 1997, EITP was created to give  inner-city youth ages 12–18  access to the many career opportunities that exist behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. The program was launched through a partnership between CCSCLA and major industry leaders including  DreamWorks SKG, with support from executives such as  Jeffrey Katzenberg, as well as professionals from companies like Sony Pictures Entertainment and major television networks.

Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences, EITP teaches students about the many roles involved in film and television production—including directing, writing, cinematography, editing, sound, lighting, wardrobe, production design, and other technical and creative careers.

Students participate in industry-led workshops, studio visits, and on-set learning experiences where they interact directly with filmmakers, producers, and entertainment professionals. Participants also develop their own creative projects, such as short films, music videos, and public service announcements.

In recent years, the program has expanded its reach to also introduce formerly incarcerated individuals and their family members to opportunities within the entertainment industry. This expansion is significant because the entertainment industry has historically been more open to employing individuals with criminal backgrounds than many other sectors.

Employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals are often limited, and access to stable, living-wage careers can play a vital role in successful reentry and long-term stabilization after incarceration.
By providing training, exposure, and professional connections, EITP helps participants develop creative skills, build confidence, and explore pathways toward meaningful employment in film, television, and digital media.

Since its founding in 1997, the program has continued to introduce new generations of participants to careers in the entertainment industry and remains an important part of CCSCLA’s ongoing commitment to community empowerment, workforce development, and creative opportunity.