Real-World Learning in Action: Students Explore Careers, Creativity, and Innovation
Recent real world learning experiences highlight students across Da Vinci engaging in meaningful, real-world learning experiences that connect classroom learning to future pathways. From AI, business and entrepreneurship to design, engineering, sustainability, and emerging technologies, students explored career fields firsthand, engaged directly with working professionals, and applied their skills in authentic contexts. Across schools and programs, these experiences continue to center student voice, curiosity, and preparation for life beyond the classroom.
Future-Ready Creators: Students Explore Generative AI
Over Spring Break, the Belkin Education Lab was buzzing with innovation as Da Vinci Schools hosted the “Building with AI” workshop series. The three-session experience brought together 50+ middle and high school students from eight schools across Da Vinci, Wiseburn, and Centinela Valley.
The Build with AI workshop series helped students grow their understanding and use of artificial intelligence from passive users and observers into active creators. Both students who were brand-new to the world of artificial intelligence or already seasoned experimenters dove deeper with AI tools and learned how to build, study, and create–and always with a focus on doing so ethically, creatively, and responsibly.
From Concepts to Custom Apps
Throughout the series, students gained fundamental knowledge of how large language models function and explored the practicalities of prompt engineering. Every student left our workshop having successfully developed their own custom application using a suite of cutting-edge tools including:
- Playlab.ai: For building interactive, purpose-driven AI tools.
- Google Gemini: For sophisticated content generation and logic.
- NotebookLM: For organizing research and synthesizing complex information.
Students didn’t just walk away with a project; they left with practical strategies for using AI as a collaborator in their academic journeys and future careers.
Celebrating Student Innovation
The creativity on display was truly inspiring. To celebrate their hard work, we have created a digital showcase featuring the diverse range of tools and games students built. From study aids to creative storytelling engines, the projects highlight the incredible potential of youth-led AI development.
For those interested in how the program is taught, we have also made our Build with AI: Google Gemini and NotebookLM workshop curriculum available for browsing or self-education on our showcase website. It outlines our approach to teaching tools like Google Gemini and NotebookLM in a way that prioritizes student agency and critical thinking.
We are so proud of our "Building with AI" cohort and look forward to seeing how they continue to use these skills to shape the future. Keep an eye on our school blogs for more upcoming opportunities to build and innovate together!
Connect Students Explore Future Pathways Through Business, Design & Sustainability
Da Vinci Connect High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) team advanced to the State Finals, with Samuel Olotula, Dara Matias, Gisele Daire, and Angelica Perez recognized for their outstanding work in business ethics and planning. Students valued the opportunity to compete and receive feedback from real entrepreneurs, deepening their understanding of the field. Under the guidance of CTE Entrepreneurship teacher Mr. Gray, students also applied their skills in a hands-on Flea Market event, bringing their business ideas to life. Junior Gisele Daire shared, “It was fun competing and a good experience to receive feedback from entrepreneurs.”
Students in Financial Literacy participated in a career pathways discussion led by Dr. Skoropad, engaging with professionals across industries including transportation, education, media, and entertainment. Professionals shared insights about their current roles, educational and career journeys, and the financial decisions, resources, and challenges that shaped their paths. The experience provided students with meaningful exposure to real-world careers and helped them better understand the steps needed to achieve their own future goals. Marc Skinner and Ryan Ward, Da Vinci Connect seniors, shared that their takeaway was to "Choose a career you're passionate about, don't just do it for the money."
Students from Ms. Sanchez’s class, currently working on a garden project, attended a Belkin Earth Day sustainability panel. Ms. Sanchez’s art instruction focuses on creative confidence, innovation, and design thinking, which connected directly to the experience. Students engaged with Loyola Marymount University students and faculty to explore the circular economy and the future of sustainability, seeing how art, design, innovation, and environmental responsibility intersect in real-world settings. London Johnson, a sophomore at Da Vinci Connect High shared, “I learned about industrial design and financial sustainability, and how it's connected to environmental responsibility.”
Design Takes First Place at Houston Art Car Parade
Da Vinci Design’s Fine Arts Pathway students returned from Houston with a major achievement: earning the Top Car Award (one of three First Place honors) at the Houston Art Car Parade—one of the nation’s largest celebrations of creative vehicle design. The team was also awarded $1,500 in prize recognition to be reinvested into the program, with a trophy to be delivered at a later date. As the Houston Chronicle noted, “Teens take the Art Car Parade.” But the win is only part of a much larger story.
Diving into Innovation: Students Explore Blue Robotics
Da Vinci Science students visited the Blue Robotics campus in Torrance for a hands-on look at marine engineering and innovation. Led by Mechanical Engineering Teacher and Pathway Coordinator Mr. Shapiro, students toured the facility and learned about specialized tools, processes, product applications, thrusters, sensors, and underwater robotics.
The experience offered valuable insight into real-world engineering careers and emerging technologies. Salanhuddin Barket, a sophomore at DVS shared, “It was surprising that Blue Robotics started a business with 3D printing and their first iterations of thrusters underwater were 3D printed.”
Belkin Spring Fling Opens a Window Into the Futures Students Are Beginning to Imagine
The Belkin Spring Fling offered more than a day of activities—it gave students a glimpse into their future. On April 21, students in grades 6-12 stepped into Belkin’s headquarters as active participants, engaging in hands-on career experiences, connecting with professionals, and exploring real-world pathways.
This dynamic event brought together 70+ students from Da Vinci, Wiseburn, and El Segundo schools—creating a powerful, shared learning experience rooted in community, collaboration, and future-ready learning.
