Ready to Succeed believes in expanding what’s possible for foster care–affected youth by connecting them with opportunities that prepare them for meaningful careers. Recently, RTS Scholars stepped behind the curtain of the music and live entertainment industries, gaining exclusive access to leaders at AEG and Live Nation for their latest Lunch & Learn event.
At Crypto.com Arena, Scholars experienced firsthand the complex ecosystem that brings live events to life. AEG leaders highlighted the wide range of roles, from creative production and partnerships to technical operations, that often go unseen by audiences but are essential to bringing unforgettable concerts and events to life.
Meanwhile, the Live Nation visit showcased how culture and creativity fuel not only the music itself but also business, marketing, and fan engagement. For Scholars, it was more than a tour; it was an invitation to imagine their place in an industry where innovation and artistry intersect.
Since 2016, RTS has been closing the opportunity gap for foster youth in Los Angeles, home to the nation’s largest foster care system. The need is urgent: while 93% of foster youth aspire to a college degree, only 4% succeed nationwide. By contrast, RTS Scholars are redefining what’s possible:
These outcomes reflect RTS’s holistic approach: career advising, mentorship, networking, paid internships, mental health resources, and scholarships that meet essential needs.
The AEG and Live Nation Lunch & Learn events are part of RTS’s Career Accelerator Program, a four-year model designed to equip Scholars with the tools, experiences, and networks to thrive. Beyond classroom success, Scholars gain industry-specific exposure that helps them visualize and pursue careers once thought out of reach.
After graduation, they join the RTS Alumni Program, which offers continued career guidance and a lifelong supportive network.
RTS is scaling its impact through an ambitious plan: tripling the number of Scholars served annually from 50 to 150 by 2026. Already, the organization is on track, serving 155 Scholars and recent graduates in 2025–26. Strong outcomes demonstrate that this approach works:
The true impact of these experiences shines through the words of RTS Scholars:
“RTS emphasizes storytelling and authenticity, and I’m realizing how crucial that is for roles in branding, content creation, partnerships, artist branding, fan engagement, and building emotional connections.”
— Andrea, UC San Diego
“The experience made facing professionals less intimidating for me. It was so helpful to hear how they got into live entertainment. I didn’t think I’d be well-suited, but they piqued my interest and showed me that if I’m passionate about something, it’s worth pursuing!”
— Aster, CSU Northridge
RTS partnerships with industry leaders like AEG and Live Nation are more than professional opportunities, but a step toward equity and representation in fields where both are lacking. By opening doors and welcoming Scholars into their spaces, these companies are demonstrating what happens when talent meets opportunity.
RTS will continue expanding industry partnerships, connecting Scholars to mentors, and amplifying opportunities that reshape both lives and industries. Each connection brings us closer to a world where foster care–affected youth are not defined by their past but by the futures they create.
