Hermanowski Family Foundation Initial Request Form

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Organization Name: California Center for the Arts, Escondido
Legal Name (if Different):
Also Known As:
Mailing Address: 340 N Escondido Blvd
City: Escondido
State: CA
Postal Code: 92025
Main Phone: 760-839-4138
Main Fax:
Organization Website: www.artcenter.org
Employer ID Number: 33-0646517
Organization Tax Status: 501c3

Proposal Information

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Today’s Date: 9/19/2025
Requested Amount: 5,000

Project Title: Technical Arts Youth Workforce- Education Program
Project Description:

The Technical Arts Youth Workforce-Education Program’s primary objective is to create previously unavailable opportunities, for underserved students ages 16 to 21 years old, to learn and explore the career possibilities of technical theater, preparing professionals in the craft of the technical arts. The Program is a unique opportunity for underserved youth to immerse themselves in the dynamic world of live performances while gaining hands-on education. This program provides the interns with a solid technical theater educational foundation including 1) theatrical lighting skills 2) operation & programming of a computerized lighting board 3) theatrical sound skills 4) operation of a computerized sound board 5) theatrical single purchase fly system 6) set up & use of live video playback systems 7) maintenance and upkeep of live theater lighting, sound, & fly systems.

This grant will support the Center expanding the program to 52 participants previously capped 35 due to financial restraints. The program currently pays interns $17/hr to start and by the end of the program the interns make $19/hr, however the goal is to increase to $20/hr. During the internship, the Center’s Theater team will test the interns on each competency when they have completed 150 hours/300 hours/600 hours/800 hours/1000 hours worked, and if they pass, they get a pay rate increase. Significantly, the 1,200 hours are accredited by IATSE 122, the San Diego Stage Hand Union, and can be used in conjunction with their pre-apprenticeship program preparing them as stage technician professionals with bountiful employment opportunities. Further, after students complete their hours, they have access to the IATSE union pay scale. The Program extends beyond a paid educational experience to include mentorship from industry professionals, and the chance to be part of creating unforgettable moments that shape the cultural landscape of the North San Diego County community.

Total Project Budget: 582,290

Other Funding
Sources For The Project (Committed & Potential): Prebys Foundation (Committed); California Arts Council (Committed); Community Member Donations (Committed)

Project Duration: 10/30/2026
Geographical Area Served: North San Diego County
Age Group To Be Served: 16-21

Contact Information

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Contact Prefix (Mr,Mrs etc.): Ms.
Contact First Name: Gina
Contact Last Name: Lopez
Contact Title: CEO
Contact Phone: 760-839-4181
Contact Email: cacenterforthearts@gmail.com