Dive Brief:

• Chicago Tech Academy High School, or ChiTech, uses project-based learning and business partnerships in its mission to closer the gender and diversity gaps in the STEM workforce by sending more Latino, black and female students into the field.
• According to eSchool News, the school’s graduation and college enrollment rates have been rising since 2009, in part because of support from local tech companies that offer professionals to mentor students and participate in day-long projects with them.
• The business connections ensure students are exposed to real-world applications of their content in science, technology, engineering and math classes, and School Director Linnea Garrett says interdisciplinary work keeps kids investigating problems and exploring solutions in other subjects, too.

Dive Insight:

ChiTech’s model fits into a couple of different trends educators have embraced in recent years. Building industry partnerships helps students by exposing them to certain careers and giving them the opportunity to forge connections that could be helpful as they embark on future careers. They also help schools keep their curricula on track with workplace realities. Community colleges have been making these connections for years, but high schools have been stepping up their efforts more recently.

The project-based learning model has taken off as educators have found ways to meet curricular standards through engaging, hands-on learning opportunities. The value of project-based learning is more than simply getting kids to pay attention. As students work together to solve problems, they learn content while simultaneously honing soft skills like communication, collaboration and persistence — all of which will help them in life and their later work.