Authentic Learning Strategy:
Connect Learners to Mentors
NOTE: This strategy is part of the self-paced Promote Anytime/Anywhere Learning
While your school might not yet have a formal internship or mentorship program, there are still many ways to ensure learners get connected with local community members and with work-based learning experiences to expose them to the ever evolving world of work, and to support them in building essential skills for success in college, career and civic life. This could look like partnering with a nonprofit organization and inviting learners to engage in meaningful work to advance their mission, pairing students in your classroom with mentors from a local college or university, or using an online platform to connect learners with mentors far and wide.
Bright Spots
Gain inspiration from authentic examples of this strategy shared by teachers who have used them with their learners.
Creating your own Bright Spots? Let’s get them out into the world! Share yours here.
High Tech High Internships
Clairmont High School Mentoring Program
Source: Clairemont High School in San Diego’s Mentoring Program
“Each Fall, Clairemont High School recruits industry and community volunteers who would like to mentor students in each of our academies. Our goal is to connect every 11th grader at CHS with a mentor who can share their interests and wisdom as they guide our students through the challenges of academics and career decision making”
Big Picture School Internships
Embedded Learning at Embark
Source: Embark Education
Learning at Embark middle school is embedded in two local businesses: Framework Cycles and Pinwheel Coffee. Students workshop shifts in both of businesses throughout the year, gaining valuable workplace skills. They also engage in projects and design challenges that support the operations of the business such as researching and recommending a new coffee bean source or finding ways to reuse and upcycle old bike parts from the shop. The employees of the shops serve as mentors and educators for the students.
Resources
Inspired? Use the resources below to bring this learner-centered strategy to your learning community.
Related Learner-Centered Content
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