Job Training in Arts & Technology II

For High School Aged Students (Advanced Techniques & Practices)

DAVA’s advanced Job Training in the Arts & Technology program for high school students offers specialized, career-focused learning designed to deepen technical skills and support individual creative pathways. Students move beyond foundational exploration into advanced media production, digital design, and technology-driven creative work. Learning is personalized, allowing participants to pursue areas of interest while receiving mentorship from professional teaching artists.

High school students gain hands-on experience using industry-standard tools and workflows while working on collaborative and independent projects. Emphasis is placed on professional practices, including meeting deadlines, working with clients, and developing a strong creative portfolio. Students also have opportunities to take on leadership roles, mentor younger participants, and contribute to commissioned projects.

Specialized Skill Building

Students may focus on areas such as:

  • Adobe Creative Suite (Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, After Effects, InDesign)

  • Advanced video editing and post-production techniques

  • Professional camera operation, lighting, and audio equipment

  • Documentary filmmaking and cinematic storytelling

  • Animation and motion graphics

  • Digital illustration and graphic design

  • AI-assisted creative workflows

  • AR and VR exploration and immersive media

  • Coding and interactive media projects

  • Architectural and spatial design software

  • Advanced photography and visual storytelling

Professional Experience & Mentorship

High school participants receive individualized mentoring to help refine their skills and identify career interests. Students may:

  • Work on commissioned design or media projects

  • Participate in paid creative opportunities

  • Develop editing or production specialties

  • Build professional portfolios for college or employment

  • Present work in exhibitions, screenings, and community events

  • Collaborate with community partners and creative professionals

Current Class Schedule (Weekly)

Wednesday / Thursday / Friday

4:00 - 6:00 PM

Cost: Free, Students receive a monthly stipend for participation (read more below)

The Advanced Computer Art Lab provides a flexible studio environment where high school students explore cutting-edge digital media and technology. The lab supports specialized learning paths, allowing students to dive deeper into advanced software, emerging technologies, and multimedia production.

Students build technical proficiency while experimenting with new tools and techniques. Whether focusing on filmmaking, graphic design, interactive media, or immersive technologies, participants develop professional-level work guided by teaching artists and mentors.

Advanced Lab Opportunities

  • AI tools for design, editing, and creative exploration

  • AR/VR experimentation and immersive storytelling

  • Coding for interactive media and digital experiences

  • 3D modeling and architectural design software

  • Advanced motion graphics and visual effects

  • Multi-platform media production

  • Portfolio development and digital publishing

Through advanced training, individualized mentorship, and real-world opportunities, DAVA’s high school Job Training and Computer Art Lab programs prepare students for college, creative careers, and emerging technology fields while empowering them to shape their own learning journey.

Advanced Computer Art Lab

Incentives & Real-World Experience

An incentivized approach helps teach the value of creative work, increases self-worth, and reinforces dignity in all forms of labor. DAVA’s Job Training in the Arts & Technology program reflects this philosophy by offering middle and high school participants a small monthly stipend. This stipend recognizes students’ time, effort, and commitment while introducing them to expectations commonly found in professional environments.

Stipends are based on attendance, participation, and personal performance. Each student meets regularly with their teacher for a review that includes goal setting, feedback, and reflection. These check-ins help students understand accountability, build professional habits, and connect effort with earned income in a supportive learning environment.

Program Structure

  • All students must apply to participate in Job Training

  • Students in middle and high school are eligible for stipends

  • Stipends are distributed monthly based on attendance and performance

  • Teacher reviews each session may impact stipend amounts

  • Participants are expected to communicate absences and stay engaged

Session Schedule

The Job Training program operates in three sessions each year:

  • Fall

  • Spring

  • Summer

Two-week breaks occur between sessions, and each session begins with a new cohort of students. Participants may apply for any session throughout the year, and sessions remain open until full. Students are not required to attend every class, but consistent participation is encouraged. If a student misses more than four classes in a session, they may be asked to release their spot to a student on the waitlist.

This structure mirrors real-world expectations while maintaining flexibility for youth and families. By combining creative learning with incentives and accountability, DAVA’s Job Training program helps students build confidence, understand the value of their work, and develop skills that prepare them for future employment and leadership opportunities.

An incentivized approach helps to teach value in the creative industries, increases self-worth, and reinforces dignity in all work.

Our Educator

Programs Assistant

Luzia Ornelas

Abir brings warmth, creativity, and care to DAVA’s classrooms. A former registered nurse from Syria, she volunteered at DAVA for over a decade before joining the staff in 2023.

Full Bio