HIGH SCHOOL AMBASSADORS

The San Diego Symphony’s High School Ambassadors program provides students across San Diego County with meaningful training and employment experiences in the performing arts field.

High School Ambassadors is a paid summer internship program designed to build college and career readiness. This 2-week program combines training with on-the-job experience for high school students (ages 16 – 18) across San Diego County.

Throughout the program, Ambassadors will develop essential skills for future careers across various fields, with a particular focus on the performing arts. Participants will participate in personal and professional development workshops led by Symphony staff and guest speakers that cover topics such as careers in the arts, resume and interview skill building, financial literacy, and public speaking. Additionally, students are employed as ushers for the San Diego Symphony’s 2026 Summer season at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. As a culminating project, participants will collaborate to develop and present a business plan for an original San Diego Symphony concert, highlighting their collective creativity and leadership skills.

"Going into this program, I had zero idea what to expect. On day one, I was sitting in a conference room at Jacob's Music Center with 14 complete strangers around my age from all parts of San Diego. By day ten, I had had some of the most fulfilling, funny, and memorable moments of my life with my fellow ambassadors, from ushering at The Rady Shell to playing Mafia during lunch time. I also had the privilege of hearing professionals of all backgrounds—from concert masters to conductors, finance to marketing, fundraising to arts administration, audio to visual directors, and the list goes on. As a rising senior, hearing about these various careers truly opened many pathways for my future, and I can't wait!" – Kyle Liang, Del Norte High School Senior

“Thank you so much for the incredible opportunity to participate in the High School Ambassador program this year! I really appreciate the thoughtfulness that you all put into developing the activities and insights shared over the past two weeks. I especially enjoyed hearing from the symphony staff, meeting lots of passionate and driven peers, creating a mock concert alongside my group, and being onstage during the rehearsal for the Infinity Saga show! I feel that the knowledge I gained about teamwork, communication, interview skills, and resumes will help guide me in my future career endeavors. I hope to stay in touch with you all and the rest of my cohort moving forward. Thanks again!!” – Olive Trom, Poway High School Junior

What to Expect

• Participate in professional development workshops during the week and hands-on work with the Front of House team on the weekend.
• Become part of a network of high school leaders in San Diego County.
• Discover the numerous career possibilities in the performing arts field while building your resume.
• Experience live music and connect with San Diego Symphony musicians.

Sample Schedule
Note: Actual schedule may vary.

Important Dates

• January 12 – March 16, 2026: Application period
• March 16, 2026: Application deadline 
• April 1, 2026: Admission decisions emailed 
• June 15 – June 27, 2026: Cohort 1
• July 6 – July 18, 2026: Cohort 2

Who Should Apply?

• High school students in grades 10–12 (between the ages of 16–18); graduating seniors are eligible to participate. Note: All Ambassadors must be 16 years old as of June 15, 2026. No exceptions.
• Eligible to work in the United States
• Only students enrolled in a high school in San Diego County are eligible to apply.
• Those that are interested in music, future careers in the arts, and who love to work with a wide range of people

What is the Compensation?

• Ambassadors will earn $17.75 per hour.
• Benefits include: professional development training, complimentary tickets, networking opportunities, and connection with artists.

Complete Your Application Now!

DOWNLOAD AND PRINT - 2026 HIGH SCHOOL AMBASSADORS PROGRAM FLYER

---

Our 2025 High School Ambassadors Cohort - From Many Regions of San Diego County!

---