Da Vinci Schools provide their students the opportunity to participate in the Real World Learning program. This is the “hands-on” component of our cornerstone college preparation and career exploration curriculum. Working for community businesses and organizations, Da Vinci students gain an understanding of the essential skills and work habits necessary for success. The goal of the Real World Learning program is to bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace.

There are many ways in which our Community Partners participate with our schools:

Guest Speaker: In order to add real world learning to the curriculum, Da Vinci Schools invite professionals to make classroom presentations.

Career Day: Organizations participate in a career fair at Da Vinci that familiarizes students with potential careers and future employers.

Field Trip: A group of students visits an organization’s workplace to see individuals in various jobs and the coordination between functions.

Job Shadow: An individual student spends a day accompanying one of the organization’s employees to gain an in-depth perspective of one job.

Mentorship: An employee and a student meet one-on-one periodically to discuss such topics as college preparation, job skills, and career paths.

Work Experience Program: A student works unpaid in an organization to learn on-the-job skills and to provide the organization with free help. The assignment is usually two afternoons a week for eight to ten weeks. If your organization is interested in participating in Da Vinci Schools' Work Experience Program, please contact Melanie Franko, Director of Real World Learning.

Virtual Work Experience: An organization submits a project, such as brochure design, that a student completes in a Da Vinci class or seminar, using Skype or teleconferencing to receive the organization’s feedback.

Internship: Da Vinci students welcome the opportunity to apply for internships, which allow more intense workplace learning experiences.

Other Workplace Opportunities: At the suggestion of an organization, Da Vinci designs a program tailored to fit the organization’s need