"It Takes a Village: Community Partnerships for Real World Learning"
Real-world learning levels the playing field—providing access to job choices students often didn’t even know existed, choices previously available to only the more privileged.
Real-world learning is not new. Many of us can recall powerful learning experiences working with non-educator adults like the scientist who judged our 4H project, the engineer who coached our Robotics team, or the local business owner who led the Junior Achievement club. Projects like these were more than just engaging. They gave us a glimpse of some future version of ourselves—as scientists, engineers, designers, or entrepreneurs. Read more...
Real-world learning is not new. Many of us can recall powerful learning experiences working with non-educator adults like the scientist who judged our 4H project, the engineer who coached our Robotics team, or the local business owner who led the Junior Achievement club. Projects like these were more than just engaging. They gave us a glimpse of some future version of ourselves—as scientists, engineers, designers, or entrepreneurs. Read more...
Cal Poly/SLO Partnership Brings Highly Qualified Students into STEM CareersA generous grant from Northrop Grumman last year allowed for the creation of a Cal Poly SLO/Da Vinci Schools partnership designed to bring a highly qualified group of students to and through Cal Poly’s engineering program and into STEM jobs at top-tier engineering companies.
In August 2015, the partnership supported the collaboration of DVS math and engineering teachers with their CP faculty counterparts to ensure that Da Vinci Science curriculum is preparing students to be “Cal Poly ready”. To start the academic year, the entire DVS teaching and counseling staff drove to Cal Poly SLO to meet their CP faculty counterparts. Mathematics professor, Dr. Danielle Champney, has continued her work with Da Vinci Science math teachers in observing classes and giving feedback about project design, curriculum, and instruction. This year, students in DVS engineering clubs have taken field trips to Cal Poly SLO and also participate in the Cal Poly Pre‐Collegiate Symposium. This partnership has supported DVS students in attending the EPIC summer camp at Cal Poly, encouraging students interested in engineering and prompting greater numbers to apply to CP each year. Da Vinci Science students have additional opportunities to interact with Cal Poly students and faculty in the summer on a meaningful design & engineering challenge. |
The Lakes El Segundo Benefits from Work Experience Students Work experience students The Lakes El Segundo last semester impressed managers. According to The Lakes staff, students quickly caught on to the needs and daily "to do" lists. After only one training shift, one student was able take the lead and complete the assignments. When completed, he would look to staff for another assignment. He instinctively has a smile on his face...a huge plus in the customer service industry.
Another student was diligent with the small assignments given, and was cheerful and respectful to other staff members and guests. She was easily trained and started the daily "to do's" without having to be told to do so. Overall, both students were a great contribution to our facility. My only problem now is to get our current staff to now complete their "to do" lists that were completed weekly by Aline and Matt! Thanks for including The Lakes in a great work experience program. |
Da Vinci Design Students Paint Murals for LA Galaxy FoundationDa Vinci Design students partnered with the LA Galaxy Foundation to design and paint murals in honor of Hawthorne-native soccer star, Gyasi Zardes. Design students worked alongside Galaxy Foundation’s Community Managers and Managing Director in the weeks leading up to the event to plan, design, and manage the project. Within three hours, students painted three murals to represent the themes of the Hawthorne community, diversity, and soccer.
The event culminated in the unveiling of the city’s new – and only – public soccer fields. Kotey Thomas, of Da Vinci Design, and Jayden Gray, of Da Vinci Communications, sang the National Anthem at the unveiling. The LA Galaxy Foundation partnered with Chevrolet and Hawthorne community organizations to fund the transformation to futsal courts, which are smaller than full-size soccer fields and can accommodate five-person teams. Chevrolet helped finance the new courts, and students at Da Vinci Design School painted soccer-themed murals, including one of Zardes, around the park. |
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