“Edukacja Społeczna” will embark on a completely new and exciting student project in the 2023-24 school year: Student Apprenticeships & Mentorships. We kicked off the endeavor on Friday, October 6th at the Bilingual High School at Wislana 35. First, students took time to meditate and inventory their personal interests and passions. Next, they considered areas of business they are both interested in and/or passionate about. In the third step, students gave careful consideration to the adults in their life who they consider to be professionally successful. These included parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, coaches, and family friends. What emerged in class was an absolutely fascinating variety of professionals, entrepreneurs, artisans, and specialists. How fortunate our students are to know and be known by such important and impressive role models. They compiled a list of the names and occupations of these individuals. If you are reading this post, you were most definitely mentioned in class. The fourth step included a short walk around the neighborhood in order to note all of the businesses in the vicinity of the school. Each business was added to the list of contacts. The result of the brainstorming and canvassing is an invaluable network of business contacts that students can access. These people and businesses may open a door to an apprenticeship or mentorship. In the weeks to come, students will research the occupations that they find most interesting. They will learn how to write business emails, organize their daily and weekly calendars and integrate further with student colleagues as they make use of their business network. Additionally, learners will give attention to business etiquette and develop a professional persona.

Parents can help! If you are contacted in the future by one of our fine high school students, we ask you to give careful consideration to the content and tone of the message. Apprenticeships and mentorships change lives. The project has been initiated and will be overseen by American English teacher and business college graduate, Patrick Joyce.

Here are some key reasons and benefits of the new program:

1. **Real-World Learning** : Student apprenticeships provide students with the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills they’ve acquired in a practical context. This helps bridge the gap between theoretical learning and real-world applications.

2. **Self-Directed Learning**: Students can take ownership of the project by choosing and pursuing their own areas of interest, allowing them to develop self-direction, independence, and a strong sense of responsibility for their own learning.

3. **Skill Development**: Apprenticeships enable students to develop practical skills that are relevant to their chosen fields of interest. Whether it’s entrepreneurship, art, technology, or any other area, students have the chance to hone skills that can be valuable in their future careers.

4. **Mentorship**: Mentors and guides are crucial to the learning process. Student apprenticeships often involve mentorship by experts or experienced professionals in the chosen field. This one-on-one mentorship provides valuable guidance and feedback to students.

5. **Experiential Learning**: Learning by doing is a core principle. Through apprenticeships, students can learn through direct experiences, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of their chosen subjects. This practical, experiential learning can be more effective and memorable than traditional classroom instruction.

6. **Preparation for the Future**: The apprenticeship project prepares students for the challenges and opportunities they’ll encounter in the future. By engaging in apprenticeships, students gain insights into potential career paths, develop problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their abilities.

7. **Building Growth Mindset**: Apprenticeships will involve overcoming challenges and setbacks, which can reinforce a growth mindset. Students can explore their entrepreneurial potential, learn about business concepts, and even launch their own ventures.

In summary, student apprenticeships and mentorships are ways to provide authentic, experiential, and self-directed learning opportunities. These experiences can be a foundation for students to develop practical skills, prepare for their future, and foster a lifelong love of learning while embracing the philosophy of self-directed education. Be a hero in the life of our youth!
Reach out to Mr. Patrick Joyce if you wish to assist.