LBUSD Partners,
 
Spring is here. I hope all of you have had the opportunity to step away from Zoom to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air. As we move to safely re-open schools in the coming weeks, I find myself both energized and optimistic. We continue to be in awe of the courage and resilience demonstrated by LBUSD students this past year - it motivates us to provide thoughtful, equitable career programming more than ever before. 
 
It has been a painful and challenging year for so many. While we will continue to see the impacts of the pandemic for years to come, there is some good news emerging around economic growth. We hope these projections can provide students and business partners a bit of relief as well as a sense of possibility as they navigate next steps and prepare for the future workforce.  
 
As I always say, we cannot do this work alone. We thank you for continuing to support our team and the brilliant students in LBUSD. Wishing each and every one of you good health and an encouraging spring.
 
With appreciation,
Michelle  
Requesting Positions for Summer 2021
Our summer internship program planning is underway and we have been elated to see all of the, ‘Yes, we can host interns again!’ e-mails from you. LBUSD is continuing to receive guidance from state and local health agencies and as the adjusted case rate for LA County continues its downward trend, we remain hopeful there are many more internship positions to come.  

Virtual Internships are also a great remote worksite option - if this or a hybrid internship model would work best for you (in-person and virtual), please let us know and/or fill out the Internship Request Form. We recognize you may need more time to evaluate your plans and resources for the summer and understand everyone is moving at a different pace. If there is anything we can do to support you in developing an internship opportunity, please contact us.   
LBUSD Internship Website Launch
Do you know someone in your network who organizes and/or promotes high school internships and career programs? Let us know! The Business Engagement & Strategic Partnerships department (formerly CaLL) is thrilled to announce we will soon be launching a webpage for LBUSD students that will serve as a hub for internship opportunities. We will share positions both from our program as well as various other regional programs to ensure students are aware of as many opportunities as possible and can access them in one place. Stay tuned for more information!
We are thrilled to share that so far in 2021, we have been able to host two virtual mock interview events in partnership with Browning High School and Poly Academy of Achievers and Leaders (PAAL). Nearly 40 business partners dedicated time to support students, many of whom interviewed with multiple volunteers as they were eager to practice their professionalism skills and receive helpful tips. One student shared, “This was an amazing mock interview. With the help of my interviewer, I received some feedback that can really help me in the future.”
 
Business Partner volunteers found the experience rewarding as well, commenting, “I like interacting with students; showing them they have skills they didn't realize, as well as helping them on their journey” and, “It was very beneficial to be able to reaffirm the confidence of the students - interviews are nerve-racking; and, to be able to point out the positives and help them understand how to prepare to reduce nervousness.”
 
We are extremely grateful to our partners, and to staff members Kathleen Naruse, Teacher Librarian, and Joel Jelinowicz, Pathway Coordinator/Dean of Students, for helping organize these events.
 
If you are interested in volunteering for a future mock interview event or other career activities, please reach out to us or complete a Business Partner Interest Form.
Inviting guest speakers into the classroom is a great way for educators to help students better understand the depth and breadth of career opportunities within any given industry. Matt Kinley from Kinley Law Practice recently spoke to a Cabrillo High School class about how law can impact the medical field. Matt discussed various fields of law and detailed the roles of medical malpractice attorneys. He also outlined the training and educational requirements as well as the skillsets needed in order to pursue a career in law. Matt, who also serves as President of the Rotary Club of Long Beach, also shared information about Rotary youth programs and scholarship opportunities available to students.
Another example of connecting curriculum to career is from guest speaker Lincoln Lo, Deputy Chief Harbor Engineer for the Port of Long Beach Construction Management Division. Lincoln spoke to two Wilson High School math classes connecting their current course content to the critical work he does at the Port. Lincoln provided students specific examples of practical uses of math and calculus in engineering design, construction management, and project management ranging from load capacity to budgeting. By connecting math curriculum to a project he is currently working on, Lincoln provided an excellent example of the relevancy of classroom learning and how it applies directly to the ‘real world’.
 
We would like to thank all of our guest speakers for volunteering their time to talk about their career trajectories, current roles, the skills and education necessary to succeed in their fields, and for helping students find an answer to the question, “Why do I need to learn this?”
 
If you or your colleagues would like to share your expertise and wisdom with LBUSD students, please reach out to us at lbcall@lbschools.net – we are eager to connect you with our all-star teachers!
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