Work-Based Learning
Welcome to the SUHSD, WBL Newsletter, Volume 5
Note from the Editor:
June is here and school is getting out for the summer. Before we race off to enjoy the sun, I thought it would be a great time to look back at what we have accomplished this year and thank you for all of your help. If you are reading this, it's because you have volunteered this year or in the recent past and we really appreciate it! From one-day guest speaking opportunities to ongoing mentor programs, we couldn't offer these experiences to our students without you, so thank you! --Faith Velschow, Work-Based Learning Specialist, SUHSD
What is Work Based Learning?
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is an educational approach or instructional methodology that uses the workplace or real work to provide students with the knowledge and skills that will help them connect school experiences to real-life, work activities and future career opportunities. A quality work-based learning program, when feasible, should be an integral part of a more comprehensive program that integrates academic courses and career technical education. Students benefit from work-based learning that connects to classroom instruction. EC 51760 (a) (d) 51760.1 (e) (4-6)
SUHSD - WBL by the numbers
- 30 CTE classes welcomed professionals to offer WBL
- 249 mentors met regularly with students, from 4-7 times throughout the school year
- 272 additional volunteers met with students one or more times
- 284 students practiced a mock-interview
- 3878 WBL experiences
Mentors
Mentors are the cornerstone of our volunteer programs!
Pictured here: Menlo-Atherton HS Computer Academy Juniors during their March 31, 2023, Mentor-Mentee Meeting
At M-A, mentors meet quarterly with mentees and cover the following topics:
- Session 1: Who are you?
- Session 2: Grade Review/Essay Revision
- Session 3: Grade Check/Resume Updates/College Prep
- Session 4: Career Prep/Mock Interviews
Job Shadows
Included in some Mentor Programs are job shadows, the ultimate in take your student to work experiences, these visits can run for a couple of hours or last all day!
Pictured left are Chito Hernandez, Group Vice President, Data Science, BioMarin Pharmaceutical, Inc., and his Biotech Institute (BTI) mentees.
Career Fairs
Careers Fairs are the culminating event for mentor programs and CTE pathways. Activities include a keynote, career pathway experiences, mock interviews, campus tours, and lunch!
Skyline College Career Fair
May 10, 2023
Guest Speakers
Thanks to Dome Construction for coming 2 times to reach all 4 of Menlo-Atherton Woodshop classes! Pictured here are:
- Megan Anderson, Project Manager
- Heisel Centeno Murillo, Assistant Superintendent
- Steve Cesena, Superintendent
- Cynthia Seward, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist
Thank you to Laura Stec - Innovative Cuisine, for coming to cook with Menlo-Atherton High School Culinary Arts students. The menu included Pressure-Cooked Brown Rice, Hato Mugi, and Emmer, Skillet Millet with Quinoa, Onion, and Corn and Gomasio. It was a new experience for many of the students and the reviews came in positive!
Student Work
Redwood High School Building & Construction Trades
Planting Pavilion
- GP (Grading Period) 1-2 Work with Architects and engineers for design and construction plan
- GP 2 building trusses, metal shop brackets and roof
- GP 3 Foundation and footing
- GP 4 Raising trusses and beams
- GP 5 Roof framing
- GP 6 Roof install
Current Volunteer Opportunities
Mock Interviewers wanted July 26th
- Who: Anyone who has ever interviewed before. Students will have the opportunity to meet with 3 professionals, ~20 minutes each, to go through mock interview questions and review their resumes.
- What: Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula (BGCP) and Sequoia Union High School District (SUHSD) are hosting a career fair for 25 students who chose to spend part of the summer taking a career readiness class. We are planning a culminating event, to include: a campus tour, mock interviews, and a celebration with Completion Certificates.
- When: Wednesday, July 26, 2023, 10:30 am -12:15 pm
- Where: Cañada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City, CA. 94061
- How: Sign Up Here or simply email me and I will do it for you. Please share this opportunity with colleagues and friends.
Biotech Symposium Presenters - October 3rd
- Who: Professionals will speak in a small group format about their career, and educational background, give a brief job description, and offer the pros & cons of their field. Students will have 25 minutes with each professional and then rotate to the next. Ideally, professionals from a wide variety of biotech careers will be represented. Colleagues are welcome to sign up together and present as a team.
- What: Carlmont High School's Biotech Institute is offering a symposium to sophomores on biotechnology education and experience. We will start the morning at 9:00 am with a keynote speaker and then divide students into small groups to meet with professionals.
- When: Tuesday, October 3, 2023, 9:30-10:30 am.
- Where: Carlmont High School Student Union, 1400 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont, CA 94002,
- How: Sign-Up Here for BTI
Contact Faith Velschow, Work Based Learning, SUHSD, to get involved!
- Email: fvelschow@seq.org
- Mobile/Text: 650-464-1162
Thank you to all of our partners & volunteers, we wish you a very happy summer and look forward to working with you again next year!