A Variety of Apprenticeships

The variety of businesses and places that the 7th and 8th grade students choose to visit is huge. “It runs the gamut,” says Aaron. “We’ve had kids work with a video game company; one student worked with the creators of the card game Exploding Kittens; we’ve had a student go to NASA to do a space camp, and then there are students who join Brian, our Art Teacher, and work with him in the art room.”

This year 7th grade students visited businesses including Bang Zoom! Entertainment, an audio post-production studio in Burbank that does voice-overs; Ali Golden, a local clothing boutique; SunOven, a gluten-free and vegan wholesale bakery; Cassie’s Cats, a cat rescue center in Ventura; upmarket Ojai hair salon Bohème; and Patagonia. “We also had a student visit an Elementary School in Goleta to spend time with a 2nd grade teacher,” adds Kalli.

Eighth grade students meanwhile visited businesses including Hungry Man Productions, a Los Angeles-based production company; jewelry company Betty Belts; Guitar48, a guitar store in Ventura; as well as Natural Rhythm Dog Training; and pro-surfer Dan Malloy.

During their apprenticeship day, students get to interview their mentors and ask questions about their professions. And when they return, they compile a presentation of their experience, which they then share with the rest of the class.

“It’s really about getting the kids out there into the community, getting them to think about what they’re interested in and learning about what it’s like in a professional environment,” says Kalli.

“Is it not very important while you are young that you should be helped to awaken your own intelligence and thereby find your true vocation? Then you will love what you do, right through life, which means there will be no ambition, no competition, no fighting another for position, for prestige; and then perhaps you will be able to create a new world.”
J Krishnamurti – Life Ahead, Chapter 7