Our Model
Magnolia Project partners with school districts to establish pathways for experiential learning through externships, internships, and learning journeys. Our experiential learning process allows students to discover new industries and careers, so that they have a multitude of options for their Meaningful Next Phase (MNP) of life, in which they are prepared to pursue endeavors that are personally aligned, spark excitement, and build upon their strengths. The Meaningful Next Phase is a personal, student driven, post high school plan that upholds the student's decision making skills, values and strengths.
Explore our pathways below.
Externship Pathway
For students in 7th-10th grade, externships are an amazing introduction to the adult world! Externships are a 3 to 5 day exploratory off-campus job shadow with a mentor in the local community. Mentors come from all walks of life, and a variety of different industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, education, non-profit, public safety, journalism, and so much more!
Magnolia Project’s Externship Pathway is fully embedded into the school day. In preparation for the externship, students participate in pre-work sessions focused on identifying their passions and career interests, understanding the community and the local economy, and developing work-readiness competencies. The culminating 3-5 day off campus experience gives students the opportunity to shadow, and work with an expert in their field. To conclude, students share their experience and reflections with the school community, their family and mentor.
Internship Pathway
Internships allow students in 11th-12th grade to work with an experienced mentor and make a meaningful contribution to a local business. Internships are a 2-4 week off-campus experience focused on career development and skill building.
Like all of our programs, Magnolia Project’s Internship Pathway is fully embedded into the school day. Students participate in pre-work sessions focused on skill building, professional development, and mastering work readiness competencies. Students are also exposed to relevant workplace training around a variety of topics, such as: sexual harassment prevention, workplace safety and compliance, and anti-bias and diversity training.
Under the tutelage of a mentor, students complete a meaningful project at their worksite. Projects vary across industries, and in their depth and breadth. For example, students may build a website or create social media content for a local business, assist with the installation of a bathroom, learn how to bake bread at a bakery, aid with company-wide scheduling, or prepare and teach a lesson plan to elementary school students. Student projects are intended to build skills while benefiting the business.
After successful completion of their internship, students share their experience with their mentor, family and the community. Students add their internship to their resume, allowing them to stand out during their job search and/or college application process.
Learning Journeys Pathway
Learning Journeys help students define their Meaningful Next Phase through exposure to a variety of places, cultures and ideas. Magnolia Project partners with school leaders and teachers to plan meaningful Learning Journeys that are exploratory in nature, curiosity driven and skill focused.
Students participate in pre-Learning Journeys sessions, to learn more about the place they will be exploring, and provide key insights to inform the planning of the experience. Every Learning Journey includes introductions to new and unique industries, colleges and universities and career pathways, giving students additional opportunities to define their Meaningful Next Phase, and learn more about themselves. Learning journeys can be anywhere from one school day to two weeks.