If you cannot view this e-newsletter properly, click here.
Greetings, LBUSD Partners, 
 
We hope all of you are in good health and enjoying the transition to fall. As we approach the season of gratitude, the Business Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Team (BESP) would like to thank you for continuing to support the brilliant students here in LBUSD. Despite having to navigate a “new normal”, our students are persevering and pursuing their aspirations through career-linked learning experiences. If you did not get the chance to watch the 2021 Virtual Internship Celebration, we encourage you to take a look. It is wonderful to hear students and business partners share the positive impact of internship experiences, and we look forward to partnering with you to provide even more opportunities this school year. 
 
We are excited to announce BESP has found its new home in LBUSD’s Equity, Engagement and Partnerships Department, which develops and fosters trusting relationships with all stakeholders and community partners by creating engagement systems and opportunities to solicit diverse perspectives, input, and feedback to strengthen district partnerships. Equity, Engagement and Partnerships is inclusive of the Long Beach Education Foundation, Middle & High School Choice, Parent University, Translation Services, Parent Affinity Groups, and BESP. The work of these Offices has been strategically aligned in an effort to provide the best support, communication and services to students and families in Long Beach. 
 
Thank you for staying in touch with us. We wish you all the best and hope you are able to enjoy quality time with family and friends in the months ahead. We look forward to collaborating and seeing you again in 2022.

With Appreciation,
Michelle & The BESP Team 
Virtual Mock Interview Events (Multiple Dates): Do you and your colleagues want to help LBUSD high school students gain the confidence, knowledge and 21st century skills that will help prepare them for future internship and career opportunities? 

We are seeking business partners who can commit a few volunteer hours to help students practice their interview skills and learn the traits of a young professional. We know a successful interview is a big step towards getting an internship and it is quite impactful when students have an opportunity to practice and network with professionals in the Long Beach business community. We send agendas and materials in advance as well as provide a volunteer overview at the beginning of each event.  

There are multiple Virtual Mock Interview events to participate in, which you can sign up for below:

Reid High School
  • Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from 9:00am to 10:30am
  • Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from 10:30am to 12:00pm

Poly PAAL High School
  • Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 9:30am to 11:00am
  • Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 11:45am to 1:15pm

Wilson High School
  • Tuesday, March 22, 2022, time TBD - Arts & Public Service Industries
  • Thursday, March 24, 2022, time TBD - Technology & Medicine/Biotechnology industries
Thank you in advance for your support
of our Long Beach schools and students!
Requesting Positions for Spring 2022
We are seeking businesses and organizations who can provide internship opportunities in Spring 2022! Placements will start in February/March and will conclude in April/May. Please let us know if you have questions or need more information about how to partner as we have many resources we would be happy to share with you and your colleagues. 
 
You can also submit an internship request using the link below, which will take you to our internship forms webpage, which are organized by industry/pathway. The form only takes a few minutes to complete. We can also help you create a custom internship description, so please do not hesitate to reach out! 

Do you know professionals in your network who organize and/or promote high school internships and career programs? Let us know! The Office of Business Engagement & Strategic Partnerships can share opportunities on its website and help spread the word to students, staff and families about external career programs and events. 
Ameren Roberts, a senior in the Biomedical Pathway at Sato Academy of Mathematics & Science, is currently interning at Superior Foot & Ankle, a podiatrist office in the Douglas Park area of Long Beach. She enjoys being included in many functions of the office, from helping patients and covering the front desk, to supporting doctors and medical assistants in the examination rooms. Ameren has felt empowered to ask questions, which she has shared is a result of such a welcoming environment.
During her internship, Ameren has seen connections between what she’s learning at Sato and her duties in a podiatrist office. In her Biomedical Innovations class, her group project is to conduct an observational study on the importance and effectiveness of body alignment. Her project is heavily influenced by biomechanics, which is a concept she has seen hands-on at Superior Foot & Ankle. After seeing injuries at the office caused by incorrect walking/running techniques, she introduced research into the significance of different parts of the body that influence certain movements. 

Ameren processes her fair share of patient forms and new patient packets, however, she also sees how critical each role is at the clinic. Ameren shared, “all the administrative work is what keeps everything running so smoothly. I will always remember that nothing successful will come out of disorganization.” When asked if this internship has helped her plan for the future, Ameren stated, “This internship has prompted me to think about what method of learning is best for me and has given me the confidence to apply for other opportunities…to further my education.”
Superior Foot & Ankle Care Center is a two-doctor practice led by Vikki Foley, DPM and Connie Ornelas, DPM, who have decades of experience treating an extensive variety of all foot and ankle conditions. Dr. Foley shared she believes that an internship is a great way for students to get familiar with a particular field before investing in the years of education that may be required. Dr. Ornelas expressed how internships are a "win-win" as students are gaining hands-on experience while businesses are gaining help and potentially a talent pipeline. We are grateful to Dr. Foley, Dr. Ornelas, and Superior Foot & Ankle staff for providing such a great opportunity for Ameren and other students in Long Beach. 
CONTACT US
Choose "LB CaLL" as the Designation