With support from the California Arts Council, SMP Rise will deliver a 22-week Learn and Earn workforce development cohort for underserved and system-impacted adults in Los Angeles, culminating in the S.M.P. Rise Cohort Short Film Production. Now in its third year, SMP Rise has a proven model and is poised to scale, serving more participants including foster-impacted youth through a growing partnership with Kids in the Spotlight. CAC funds will support apprentice wages, mentor stipends, production costs, and program materials. Participants, predominantly people of color, low-income individuals, and formerly incarcerated persons, will receive life skills training including financial responsibility and mental health wellness, hands-on production instruction across all film departments, and paid on-set experience earning verified screen credits. High-performing apprentices will be connected to union permit pathways, building sustainable entertainment industry careers.