The First Day Feeling
September brings a sense of possibility, and that same energy defines the mission of Situation Project: creating access, building confidence, and opening doors so the next generation can see themselves in the arts and cultural spaces of this city.
This past year was filled with moments that delivered on that promise. From Broadway matinees that introduced students to the stage for the first time, to career programs connecting college classrooms with industry practice, to an inaugural intern summit that brought the industry’s next leaders together, each initiative showed how opportunity can shift a young person’s path.
Building Confidence, Not Just Résumés
In July, more than 50 interns from organizations across arts, media, and culture gathered at Situation Group’s New York office for the first-ever Intern Summit. The day’s workshops, covering everything from résumé coaching to the real-world implications of AI, were designed not just to prepare interns for interviews but to build confidence and community.
Executive Director, Samara Berger explained the goal: “We wanted to open doors for learning, for mentorship, for possibility. When early-career talent walks away with a sense of community and a clearer vision for their future, that’s when access becomes impact.”
Campus to Career
Earlier in the year, Situation Project piloted the Professional Pathway Program with the University at Albany. Over the course of a semester, students moved from classroom sessions to agency site visits to virtual workshops, gaining both practical skills and a sharper understanding of where they fit in the industry.
“It’s not about telling students they belong,” Berger noted. “It’s about showing them what’s inside the room, introducing them to the people there, and helping them imagine their own place at the table.”
Turning a Seat Into a Spark
On Broadway, the Buena Vista Social Club Matinee Mission brought over 700 New York City public school students to a performance that, for many, was their first time in a theater. Students clapped along to the music, leaned forward in their seats, and stayed after the curtain call for a conversation with the cast.
“Access is the first step, but what happens once a student is inside the theater matters just as much,” Berger said. “That’s when you see the spark—the moment a young person realizes this story connects to them.”
From Classrooms to Council Chambers
The commitment to access extended beyond classrooms and theaters this summer when Situation Group Founder Damian Bazadona testified before the New York City Council on the urgent need to protect and expand arts education. His message underscored that opening doors for young people is not a luxury but a necessity.
As Berger emphasized, “Our job isn’t just to get students in the room—it’s to make sure the room stays open, no matter their zip code or background.”
What Comes Next
As the new school year begins, Situation Project is expanding partnerships and planning initiatives to ensure more students, interns, and early-career professionals feel not just invited but fully included in the cultural life of New York City and beyond.
This year, thousands of young people stepped into new rooms, asked new questions, and saw themselves in places they hadn’t before. When access leads to belonging, a season of experiences becomes the foundation for a future of possibility. To get involved, visit situationproject.org.
