Paid Internship Program
Building real-world experience through
Mentorship, Creativity, and Purpose
Breaking Barriers and Peer Mental Health have partnered to create a groundbreaking pipeline for employment success through the Paid Internship Program (PIP), powered by the Peer Mental Health Academy.
Program Overview
This joint initiative blends hands-on training, mentorship, and subject matter expert instruction with support from top universities including USC, CSUN, Syracuse University, and Woodbury University.
The collaborative model equips participants with real-world experience, industry-relevant skills, and certifications that support sustainable, meaningful employment.
Participants build practical skills while exploring career paths in high-demand fields such as:
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Media, film, art, and journalism
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Animation, photography, and videography
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Social media marketing and digital storytelling
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AI generalist roles, web design, coding, and SEO
Every intern learns directly from working professionals, gaining certifications and transferable skills aligned with real industry needs.
Our Approach
The program bridges education and employment by pairing technical training with individualized support. Interns receive consistent guidance from mentors and career coaches while completing community-based job placements.
This model helps participants:
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Gain confidence and job-readiness skills
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Strengthen creativity and communication
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Build connections with inclusive employers
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Transition from internships into meaningful, long-term employment
Our Mission
Together, Breaking Barriers and Peer Mental Health are redefining workforce development through inclusion, innovation, and collaboration. We believe every participant should have access to work that reflects their passions, skills, and potential.