Real World Learning
At Big Picture Philadelphia schools, we want students to find and walk their own pathway to success.
What is BPP's Real World Learning (RWL) program?
Students' focus on their passions
Through our signature RWL program, students at all grade levels engage in identity and interest exploration two full days per week for the length of their high school career. When they enter the program, students start by exploring their answer to the question: “Who am I in my community?” and go on workplace site visits, shadow days, participate in mock interviews, learn resume and cover letter writing, and more. This approach helps young people connect their interests and passions to real world pursuits.
Hands-on, off-site internships every Tuesday and Thursday
Students then apply for either individual internships or internship cohorts which run for two full days per academic week for twelve weeks each term. They work with a professional mentor and RWL Coordinator to develop an interest-based project proposal during the first half of the school year and execute the project during the second half. This year, students also have the opportunity to gain professional certifications through their internships in the areas of culinary arts, early childhood education, vet tech, pharmacy tech, or as an EKG tech.
These are our current group internship opportunities for the 2021-22 school year.
Learn from professional mentors
Mentors don't just help students prepare for the workforce, but help young people build positive relationships and grow their self-confidence. Our mentors are an important part of the BPP community--we appreciate our mentors just as much as our students appreciate you! Mentors receive training and support from our RWL staff including working with students' Advisors (homeroom teachers) to understand their student-intern’s learning style, in developing project work, and in student-intern accountability.
*Interested in becoming a mentor? Learn more or sign up here.
Opportunity Career Fair - April 2022
Plan for the future
Student progress is assessed through end-of-term exhibitions of learning, and, in the year leading up to graduation, students develop a detailed post-secondary plan that builds on the interests, skills, and certifications developed through their RWL experience. Our Post-Secondary and Alumni Counselors help students fill out career or college applications, research employment opportunities, build their professional networks, take them on campus tours, and much more to help ensure graduates leave our schools with the tools they need to succeed.
Post-Secondary Campus Visit Day - Oct 2021