From San Diego County News Center. By Yvette Urrea Moe

SAN DIEGO, Calif., – July 23, 2025 - Three Probation youth not only got to help build theater sets backstage at the La Jolla Playhouse, they also got to build their self-esteem and their resumes.

The youth are students at the Youth Transition Campus and the week-long Tech Theatre Training camp is done in partnership with the theater, the San Diego County Office of Education and the County Probation Department.

“Programs like these support the long-term success of Probation youth by enriching their lives with creativity, structure, and opportunity,” said Mike Whatley, Probation division chief.

Whatley explained several reasons why programs like the theater camp are important for probation-involved youth. The young people get hands-on technical and creative skill development, and they get to see themselves as capable and talented individuals, sometimes for the first time. This can help them build their self-esteem and give them a sense of purpose, he said.

Additionally, it puts them in a professional environment where they are encouraged to practice healthy communication, responsibility and collaboration.

Justice-involved youth have more often than not experienced trauma or instability in their lives. Experiences like the camp expose them to new possibilities and interests, and the arts provide a therapeutic outlet, Whatley said.

Theater teachers and technical staff lead the students through rigorous standards-based coursework that includes making props, scenery and pieces of the sets, as well as, lighting design, costume design and special effects makeup.

At the end of the camp, they earn course credit and a certificate of completion from the La Jolla Playhouse. Both can be listed on the student’s resume to support a career in theater or other professional goals.

The camp and similar programs help support County Probation’s works to help justice-involved youth grow, heal, and build better futures.

Read the article here.