Turning passions into paychecks.

Our mission is to empower creatives with disabilities to grow personally and professionally by building the skills, confidence, and connections needed to pursue fulfilling careers in the entertainment industry and beyond – effectively turning passions into paychecks while reshaping perceptions of talent and ability in the world around us.

Explore The Program

Watch The Work

YIC — Find Your Path

Find your path

How can we help you?

Whether you're exploring a creative career, supporting a loved one, or looking to make an impact — we have a path for you.

I'm a prospective student

Ready to turn your creative passion into a career? Explore our entertainment industry training, hands-on studio experience, and paid internship program.

What we offer YIC Program — Santa Clarita Creator studios Paid internship program Contact us to enroll

I'm a family member or guardian

Learn how YIC supports your loved one's journey toward independence, confidence, and a meaningful career in the entertainment industry.

Our mission & values Services we provide Student success stories Frequently asked questions Get in touch

I'm a referring agency

Regional Center coordinators and transition specialists — see how YIC's vendored programs deliver measurable outcomes for the individuals you serve.

Services overview Paid internship outcomes Governance & compliance Request program information

I'm an employer or partner

Host a paid intern at no cost, connect with trained creative talent, or collaborate with YIC on inclusive workforce initiatives.

Internship partnership details Industry networking program Corporate sponsorship Partner with us

I want to support YIC

Make a tax-deductible donation, explore sponsorship, or serve on our board. Every contribution helps creatives with disabilities build real careers.

Make a donation Corporate sponsorship Donor-advised fund Join our board Shop merch

What we do, in practice.

Three complementary programs that take students from skills training to professional placement to producing real industry events.

Foundation

YIC Program

21st-century career skills, networking, and career exploration led by industry guest speakers. For individuals 18+ not currently in public school.

Age 18+

Format Virtual + in-person

Career

Paid Internship Program

Six-month paid placements across production, post-production, marketing, animation, sound, lighting, and talent management — with weekly support and one-on-one counseling.

Length 6 months

Pay Yes — paid

Flagship

Festival Project

A year-long, hands-on training program where students produce the Good Karma Music & Arts Festival from end to end, alongside promoters, artists, publicists, and event managers.

Length 12 months

Outcome Live festival and resume experience

THE FESTIVAL PROJECT · FLAGSHIP

Students produce a real music festival.

The Good Karma Music & Arts Festival is a full-scale, ticketed music festival — booked, marketed, and managed by YIC students alongside working industry professionals. Past performers include some of the biggest names in reggae and hip-hop.

Inside The Festival Project

Past performers include
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony 2023
Pepper 2015
Matisyahu 2014
Hirie 2014
Iration 2010, 2012
Next festival: November 2027

INDUSTRY PARTNERS AND SUPPORTERS

Our Mission

Close-up of printed text discussing pride in helping creatives with disabilities turn passions into careers.

The primary goal of YIC is to facilitate participants’ successful transition to life after high school into gainful employment. To achieve this goal, our program utilizes a person-centered planning model based on each individual’s needs, abilities, skills, personal interests and goals.

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Signature-style text reading 'Bret Lieberman' with 'Executive Director' underneath.

Our Podcast

Breaking The Biz is a weekly podcast featuring candid conversations between entertainment industry leaders and YIC students/staff, exploring careers, creativity, and pathways to success, advocating for disability inclusion in the entertainment industry.

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Turning passions into paychecks.

How can we help you?