Creative Career Pathways into the Automotive Industry will connect California students to emerging careers in automotive media, design, marketing, technology, EV, gaming, and live experiences.
LOS ANGELES (July 30, 2026) — Music to the Ears Foundation today announced a new community collaboration with Los Angeles Auto Show® to launch “Creative Career Pathways into the Automotive Industry,” a year-round education and workforce development initiative designed to make automotive careers more accessible, aspirational, and future-ready for K–12 students across California.
Developed by Music to the Ears Foundation and Academix, the initiative will introduce students to the expanding creative economy surrounding the automotive industry through year-round school programs, industry engagement, creative career days, career-focused content, and an annual student field trip experience at the LA Auto Show.
“For many students, a passion for music, gaming, content creation or design is the starting point—not the destination,” said SCETCH, Founder of Music to the Ears Foundation. “Our role is to help students recognize that these creative interests can lead to rewarding careers throughout the automotive industry. By connecting education with industry, we’re creating pathways that prepare young people not just for their first job, but for long-term success in one of the world’s most innovative industries.”
As vehicles and mobility continue to evolve through electric technology, software, digital media, gaming, and new consumer experiences, the careers powering the automotive industry are changing as well. Creative Career Pathways into the Automotive Industry will help students discover opportunities beyond traditional automotive careers, including media and storytelling, brand marketing, automotive design, motorsports, EV and future mobility, esports and simulation, music and sound, live event production, technology, and entrepreneurship.
“Our show reaches hundreds of thousands of people every year, and none matter more than the students who will one day power this industry,” said Terri Toennies, President of the Los Angeles Auto Show. “Partnering with Music to the Ears Foundation lets us turn Opening Day into a living classroom and show young people across California that the road into automotive careers runs through creativity.”
As part of the initiative, K–12 schools throughout California are invited to attend a coordinated student field trip experience during Opening Day of the 2026 LA Auto Show, held at the LA Convention Center, which runs November 20–29, 2026.
LA Auto Show Opening Day Field Trip Details:
- Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
- Time: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Location: Los Angeles Convention Center
The field trip will provide students with an opportunity to experience the automotive industry as a immersive classroom—exploring vehicles, technology, innovation, design, media, and automotive culture while gaining exposure to the people and career pathways shaping the future of mobility.
Schools, districts, educators, and career pathway leaders interested in participating in the 2026 field trip experience or year-round Creative Career Pathways programming are encouraged to contact Music to the Ears Foundation.
For School and Education Partnership Information:
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ABOUT MUSIC TO THE EARS FOUNDATION
Music to the Ears Foundation is a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering K–12 students and young adults to reach their creative and economic potential. Through Creative Arts Education and Career Pathway programs delivered in K-12 schools, public libraries, and community environments, the organization connects student interests in music, media, design, and technology to education, entrepreneurship, career exploration, and workforce opportunities.
For more information, visit www.musictotheears.org
Media inquiries: [email protected]
ABOUT ACADEMIX
Academix connects education with industry through immersive learning experiences and career-connected pathways that prepare students to participate in the creative economy. Through its proprietary BEAT Framework (Business, Entertainment, Arts, and Technology), Academix transforms classrooms into career-connected learning environments by combining industry-aligned curriculum, partnerships, digital media, work-based learning, and authentic industry experiences that equip students with the skills and confidence to succeed.
For more information, visit www.academixbeatlab.com
ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES AUTO SHOW
Founded in 1907, Los Angeles Auto Show® is one of the longest-running and most influential automotive events in the world and a leading consumer destination for car shoppers, enthusiasts, families, media, and the global industry. Held annually at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the show features global automakers, vehicle debuts, test drives, technology, lifestyle programming, and Southern California car culture in the most important vehicle market in the United States. 2026 Los Angeles Auto Show runs November 20–29, 2026.
For more information, visit laautoshow.com
Media inquiries can be directed to [email protected]