“The environment becomes like a real job, and they participate in all aspects of the design process, like creative brainstorming, conceptualizing, critical thinking, collaboration and making presentations.”
Students pick companies they like and create animations and other designs. Then they pitch their creations to fellow classmates, invite critique and incorporate those suggestions into their projects.
“Plus, they’re learning that time is money. In the business world, they need to work under pressure and quickly,” added Sanchez.
Senior Leilanie S. is graduating in May after successfully completing the graphic design pathway. She already has a part-time job at a print shop, and they have offered her a full-time position this summer. Before she came to Learn4Life, Leilanie had been struggling at her previous high school.
“I always liked drawing, and someone suggested graphic design classes, but I was too shy,” she explained. “But after being at this school for a while, I had gained the confidence to try the graphic design pathway and I’m so glad I did.”
Leilani loves how hands-on the design classes are, and they have made coming to school more fun, and her teacher agrees.
“When we can engage students in career technical education classes, they are more excited about their other classes,” said Sanchez. “My fellow teachers often tell me they are so glad their students are taking the graphic design classes because they become more motivated in other parts of their schoolwork.”
March is Youth Art Month, created to celebrate and promote arts education. Learn more information about our career pathways.