Successfully piloted in January 2023, the AICA is a workforce development program in technical theatre developed by the DC Arts Education Alliance for DC-based young adults (ages 18-24) who have encountered significant obstacles to a career path. This is an "earn to learn" program in which participants are paid $17/hr for every hour in the classroom as well as every hour of apprenticing in theatres. Between January and June 2024, apprentices will receive 700 hours of paid apprenticeships and related technical instruction preparing them to hang and focus lights, run sound systems, serve as scenic carpenters and painters, and more. The program meets 30 hours/week for 24 weeks with ongoing mentorship and job placement assistance.