Work-Based Learning
Welcome to the SUHSD, WBL Newsletter, Volume 10
NOTE FROM THE EDITOR:
As we head into the holiday season, we are filled with gratitude for our incredible partners. This semester, thanks to your support, students experienced an exciting and diverse range of work-based learning opportunities — including dynamic guest speakers, engaging field trips, mock interviews, community events, generous program donations, and impressive student work. We’re proud of what our students accomplished and deeply thankful to you for making these experiences possible. Together, we are creating meaningful, real-world learning opportunities that truly make an impact. Thank you and Happy Holidays! --Faith Velschow
Field Trips
Sequoia High School's Culinary Arts Class visits Pie Ranch
The team at Pie Ranch was professional, very knowledgeable, and kind to students. They engaged the students in circle times to share key culinary topics, including food systems and justice, as well as an appreciation for the land they were on and the experience they were engaged in. Students rotated through cooking the lunchtime meal, making pie, and working on the farm. Everyone had a great time, and the food was delicious!
A Day of Inspiration!
WHS Advanced Photography took a guided tour of the Cantor Arts Museum followed by a walking tour to photograph art on the Stanford campus. We ended the day at the Palo Alto Art Center to view this year's winners of the Peninsula Photo Contest.
GUEST SPEAKERS
Guest speakers form the foundation of our work-based learning opportunities, giving students direct access to professionals across diverse industries, including photography, audio production, biotech, and business.
Sequoia Woodshop
Kelly Blythe, P.E. - Project Sponsor, Manson Construction Co., Rafael Otero – Piledriver Foreman, Dave Garcia – Piledriver Journeyman, and Christine Vertiz- Piledriver apprentice, Piledrivers, Divers, Bridge Wharf and Dock Builders Union 34.
Redwood's Building & Construction Trades
In addition to speaking with students, 3 trade unions donated funds for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):
- Scott Wein, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 617
- Joe Sanders, Business Representative, Painters & Drywall Finishers Local 913, District Council 16 Painters & Allied Trades (featured here)
- Walter Orellana, Business Agent, Operative Plasterers' & Cement Masons' International, OPCMIA Local 300
Thank you for your support!
Community
"Alone, we can do so little; Together, we can do so much." -- Helen Keller
Redwood High School is lucky to sit in the Industrial Arts Business Association (IABA) area of San Carlos. In October, RHS hosted the monthly IABA meeting and showcased some of the amazing work happening on campus. Many of these businesses donate time and materials to the program.
SHS Mentor Program
Through the exceptional efforts of Greg Schmid, SHS Mentor Coordinator, each student is paired with a mentor whose career interests align with their own. Over seven months, mentor and mentee work together on career exploration and the development of the student’s business communication skills. Topics include:
- Getting to know you/interviewing a stranger
- Personal Inventory
- Elevator Pitches
- Resumes
- Interviews
- Career Round Tables
- SMART Goals
This is one of 7 Mentor Programs throughout SUHSD:
274 students are paired with 250 mentors.
- CA BTI: 56 volunteers are working with 56 students.
- MA Computer Academy: 51 mentors working with 54 students.
- SQ Health Careers & Digital Arts Academies: 93 mentors working with 104 students.
- TIDE Academy: 14 mentors working with 22 students.
- WS Graphics & Tech and Green Academies: 36 mentors working with 38 students
Student Work
Carlmont HS Intro to Business students participated in an Idea Pitch Competition
Keep an eye out, you may see some of these products on the market soon!
CHS Marketing students utilized their skills in promoting the Belmont Waterdog Run
This is work-based learning!
Carlmont DECA Business Club
Students hosted a "mini-con" to practice for the upcoming business competitions this year. There were over 100 Carlmont students who practiced their role play events with adult business professionals in the community. This was all planned and organized by the Carlmont DECA Business Club leadership team.
Pictured here: May Lin (2027) qualified for the finals in the youth division of the StartUp World Cup in San Francisco on Friday, October 17 and placed 2nd overall. She presented to over 1,000 adults about her Beyond the Bars app for helping formerly incarcerated individuals reintegrate into society with access to jobs, training and housing.
And congratulations to Nico Foks who just won $1,000 and 2nd place in the nation for the Stukent + DECA Social Media Marketing Challenge. Click here to learn more.
WHS Food & Nutrition students participated in a Top Chef Style event demonstrating their expertise in Global Breads and Pastries
Judges tasted 3 savory dishes including piroski, a slider on a fresh baked roll and a papusa as well as 5 sweet dishes: strawberry shortcake, beignet, conchas, glazed donut hole and a cream puff. All were delicious!
WHS Foundation Donor Appreciation Catering Event 2025 2026
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities
Mock Interviews:
When: Tuesday, January 13, 2026, 9:45-11, 11-12:15 Where: Skyline College, 3300 College Dr, San Bruno, CA 94066 How: Sign Up Here for Skyline When: Wednesday, March 11, 2026, 9:45-11:10 Where: Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, 1333 Old Bayshore Hwy, Burlingame, CA 94010 How: Sign Up Here for the Hyatt When: Friday, April 17, 2026 Where: Cañada College, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd, Redwood City, CA 94061 How: Coming Soon When: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Where: Foothill College, 12345 El Monte Rd, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 How: Coming Soon When: Wednesday, April 29, 2026, 10:15-12:15 Where: Skyline College, 3300 College Dr, San Bruno, CA 94066 How: Coming Soon
TIDE Academy Symposium
Who: Those in technology-related careers as well as marketing, graphic design, communications, and more. We would like to offer a wide variety of fields, as students are interested in many different career opportunities. What: Small Career Round Tables - speak to a group of 4-6 students about your career, education, a typical day, and the pros & cons of the field When: Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 9:30-10:45 Where: 150 Jefferson Dr, Menlo Park, CA 94025 How: Sign Up Here.
Click here to let us know you'd like to get more involved! For any additional information, contact Faith Velschow, Work Based Learning, SUHSD
- Email: fvelschow@seq.org
- Phone: 650-464-1162
Missed an earlier newsletter, click here!
Thank you again; we hope that you have a wonderful holiday season, and we will reach out again in 2026! --FWV