Youth Cinema Project

Youth Cinema Project at La Puente High School The Youth Cinema Project (YCP) continues to provide La Puente High School students with real-world filmmaking experiences that extend far beyond the classroom. Founded by Edward James Olmos, YCP transforms classrooms into creative studios, combining rigorous, industry-aligned curriculum with mentorship from professional filmmakers. This year, three of our students — Nashaly Acevedo, Kip Estrada, and Alexis Preciado — participated in an internship on the set of “Perfect,” a short film shot at the Universal Studios backlots. Behind-the-scenes footage showcases their work and highlights the level of professional exposure our students are gaining. Through YCP, students develop technical filmmaking skills while also strengthening organization, communication, collaboration, and leadership — competencies that support college readiness and career exploration across industries. Students also have opportunities to premiere their films at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), connecting classroom learning directly to the entertainment industry. For alumni interested in continuing their journey, the YCP Alumni Fellowship (Applications Open) offers a competitive, no-cost advanced filmmaking program for ages 14–19. Selected fellows receive a $10,000 scholarship, professional mentorship, and the opportunity to write, pitch, and produce a polished short film that premieres at LALIFF. We are proud to see our La Puente High School students taking advantage of these high-level creative opportunities and representing our community in professional film spaces.