Training for the Future of Work
At Da Vinci, we continue to expand our career training opportunities so students gain employable skills that are aligned with workforce needs.
This summer, Da Vinci hosted six career training clinics providing 118 students with hands-on career learning experiences. The clinics included Advanced Manufacturing, Aviation, Futures Rewired, Future Shock, Television & Red Carpet Hosting, and Biz Camp.
Advanced Manufacturing
This summer, 30 of our high school students participated in an exciting Advanced Manufacturing Program, where they gained hands-on experience in creating their very own CO2 dragsters. Over the course of two weeks, these students delved into the world of cutting-edge technology, working with CAD machines, laser cutters, 3D printers, CNC machines, and welding equipment. Each step of the way, they used their creativity, determination, and teamwork to bring their designs to life.
Rebekah DeCoursey, a student at Connect High School commented, “I loved that I had the chance to remain creative, even in a more structured and serious project like making a car. I was thrilled to create a homemade car for my time capsule for four of my friends. I added their names to it, transforming it into a memorable symbol of our friendship. Being around younger peers with skills comparable to the adults made the experience more relatable. I felt encouraged by their success, knowing that if they could work with heavy-duty machines and top-tier appliances, I could as well.”
The final day of the program was filled with excitement as students put their hard work to the test, racing the CO2 dragsters they designed and built. As each dragster sped down the track, students cheered and were proud to see their work and creativity come to life in a race to the finish line.
Emma Dayap, a student from Da Vinci RISE shared, “The most meaningful skill I learned through this program was learning how to weld. It felt nice to do something important that is used in everyday life. Now when I go out and see things that are welded together, I find it so fascinating.” We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our incredible instructors and student-teacher assistants, whose guidance and support were instrumental in making this project a success. Their dedication ensured that our students not only completed their projects but also gained invaluable experience along the way.
We are so grateful to our sponsor, Harbor Freight Tools for Schools, for supporting and investing in skilled trades education in our schools.
Aviation
Da Vinci students soared to new heights during the Aviation Training program, in partnership with Giving Kids Wings Flight Academy and the Los Angeles World Airports! Over five exciting days, participants delved into the world of aviation, applying their knowledge of flight principles and mechanics to real-world scenarios and putting their STEM skills to the test. Through hands-on experiments and flight simulation training on Microsoft X-plane, students mastered some of the essentials of aviation, including weather forecasting, aeronautical chart interpretation, and the mechanics of flight.
The highlight of the program was undoubtedly the field trip, where students had the opportunity to take to the skies on a real plane, putting their newly acquired skills into practice.
Allison Gallardo, a student at Da Vinci Design shared, “I thought this program would be more like a class environment, but being able to go to LAX and look at what happens behind the scenes was surprising. The most meaningful part for me was being able to fly a plane.” The program concluded with a special Community Day, where families and friends were invited to witness the trainees’ accomplishments. Students proudly demonstrated their understanding of flight and shared a video recap of their experiences.
We give special thanks to Giving Kids Wings Flight Academy and the Los Angeles World Airports for giving our students unique opportunities to further explore this exciting industry.
FutureShock
This summer, the Reinvention Lab at Teach For America, in partnership with Da Vinci, offered a program called FutureShock. Aimed at young people ages 13-18, FutureShock is designed to offer a transformative learning experience where students are invited to direct their learning paths, dive into their interests, and explore aligned career fields. The program encouraged participants to take charge of their education, fostering a sense of ownership and curiosity. This self-directed approach was complemented by hands-on projects, interactive games, and the latest advancements in technology and AI. From tackling tech challenges to exploring the potential of artificial intelligence, participants were immersed in activities that sparked creativity and critical thinking. Whether working on collaborative projects or enjoying team-building games, students built meaningful relationships with their peers and coaches.
One of the highlights of FutureShock was the strong sense of community that emerged among participants. “If I were to describe this program to a friend, I would tell them it is a fun way to try something you’ve never done and always wanted to try. It’s also a way to meet new people and make new friends, in a very supportive environment.” Instructors played a pivotal role in guiding and supporting students, helping them navigate their learning journey and discover new passions.
Television and Red Carpet Hosting
This summer, Da Vinci Schools partnered with Diamond in the Raw to offer an exciting program where high school students stepped into the spotlight, learning the art of television and red-carpet hosting. Guided by industry professionals, community college professors, and a series of guest speakers with extensive experience in entertainment, podcasting, and more, students gained invaluable insights into the world of media. They honed essential skills such as self-image, confidence, and public speaking, laying the groundwork for a future in the spotlight.
Our youth participated in several red-carpet events interviewing celebrities and visited CBS Studios for a behind-the-scenes look at their news segment. Students also visited La Create Space Studio in Inglewood where they had the chance to host a talk show and covered various topics including animation, celebrity lifestyles, fashion, and Simone Biles’ journey to the Olympics.
Yulianna Chavez, a student from Da Vinci Communications shared, “The most meaningful experience for me was seeing the filming of a news report and interviewing a comedian on the red carpet. This experience helped me explore this career and how I can continue working towards it in the future.” By the end of the program, these young hosts emerged with new talents, as well as the confidence and poise needed to shine in the media.
Biz Camp
The Biz Camp program, supported by the Los Angeles Urban League, offered a transformative summer experience for youth who are passionate about turning their business ideas into reality. Through a combination of interactive activities and engaging guest speakers, Biz Camp provides a comprehensive introduction to the business world, equipping young entrepreneurs with the essential skills and knowledge to launch their ventures. Students had the opportunity to hear from various industry professionals, including local entrepreneurs and representatives from the Los Angeles World Airports.
Through an engaging curriculum, youth developed diverse business ideas, including a financial literacy camp for peers, a cleaning company, a jewelry shop, athlete performance services, a coffee and pastry shop celebrating various Latin American cultures, and a supportive center for youth with autism. Business owners served as business plan coaches, assisting the youth with their business ideas as they prepared for the competition.
Youth participated in a series of educational field trips as part of the program. They visited the Junior Achievement Finance Park, where they learned essential budgeting skills and financial principles. At Santee Alley, they explored wholesale pricing, retail sales, and profit-making strategies. Their visit to the Microsoft Office in Irvine provided them with firsthand insights into how entrepreneurship drives innovation in technology sectors like health and education.
The program, led by Ms. Rhonda Holbert and Ms. Crystal Mitchell, supports the Los Angeles Urban League’s mission to promote economic empowerment and social equality through education and job training. The experience concluded with a business pitch showcase, where participants presented their ideas to a supportive audience of family, friends, community members, and a panel of judges.
