American Red Cross Teams Up with High School Students to Provide Real World Job Experience

Students will design projects that promote the Red Cross at The Art Institute of California – Orange County annual Summer Studio workshop

SANTA ANA, Calif., June 12 — High school juniors, seniors and recent graduates interested in pursuing a creative education have the opportunity to roll up their sleeves to work with the American Red Cross at The Art Institute of California – Orange County 2009 Summer Studio Workshop. Students will work closely with the Red Cross to find out if they have what it takes for a future in design, fashion, media arts or culinary arts.

From June 23-26, students participate in an intense four-day workshop and experience a taste of the academic programs at The Art Institute of California – Orange County. They’ll work alongside industry professionals as part of a production team creating the many design, media and culinary elements that contribute to the promotion of a nonprofit organization.

“The workshop has been extremely successful since its inception in 2001,” said Melinda Lester, Dean of Academic Affairs. “It is a life-changing, eye-opening week for most of these students and many attendees later make the decision to study applied arts in college.”

This year the workshops focus on the American Red Cross and their efforts to attract younger blood donors. The theme of the campaign elements the students will be creating is “Roll Up Your Sleeve.”

Students can choose from one of the following ten specialized workshops, depending on their area of interest:  Advertising, Culinary Arts, Digital Photography, Fashion, Game Art & Design/Visual & Game Programming, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation/Visual Effects & Motion Graphics and Web Design & Interactive Media.

Any 2009, 2010 or 2011 high school graduate from the U.S. or Canada, who is at least 16 years old, is eligible to attend. Tuition is $150 and includes all classes, supplies, meals and field trips. Supervised housing and daily transportation to and from The Art Institute is available for an additional cost.

For more information or to register, visit aisummerstudio.com/orangecounty.

Media Contacts
Tricia Cook, 714.338.1303 or tcook@aii.edu
Veronica Orozco, 714.830.0221 or vorozco@aii.edu

The Art Institute of California – Orange County
The Art Institute of California – Orange County is a design, media, fashion and culinary arts school providing bachelor’s and associate’s degree programs in Advertising, Culinary Arts, Culinary Management, Digital Photography, Fashion Design, Fashion Marketing & Management, Game Art & Design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Interior Design, Media Arts & Animation, Visual & Game Programming, Visual Effects & Motion Graphics and Web Design & Interactive Media. Located in the heart of Orange County’s South Coast Metro region, The Art Institute is ideally situated in close proximity to Orange County’s thriving business community, cultural attractions, shopping, entertainment and its famous beaches. The school is one of The Art Institutes (www.artinstitutes.edu), a system of over 40 education institutions located throughout North America, providing an important source of design, media arts, fashion and culinary arts professionals