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When Jesus Fabian and Alexis Serrano Embriz entered high school, the future felt wide open — and uncertain. Neither student was convinced college was for them. Both liked the idea of pursuing a trade: It was hands-on and practical. But like many young people their age, they weren’t quite sure which direction they should take.

Their public school, Latitude High School in Oakland, California, prioritizes project-based learning to equip its students with tangible skills and real-world experience that can help them succeed in college and beyond. Extended learning opportunities, ranging from site visits to internships, aren’t extracurriculars — they are a cornerstone of the curriculum.

Students, parents, and academic leaders place tremendous value on such opportunities. Nearly eight in 10 high school students nationwide express interest in participation in work–based learning. In fact, a 2024 national poll from EdChoice found that teens consider “skills for future employment” the most important priority in their education.

High-quality work-based learning opens doors for students to discover a wide variety of careers, gain meaningful, career-connected experience, and graduate not just with a diploma but with a clear sense of direction and the concrete skills to match. And yet only 62% of high schools offer formal career and technical education programs.

Founded in 2019, Latitude is quickly proving what’s possible when students step outside the classroom and into real-world learning. It accelerates students’ paths to success, outperforming state and national trends. About 70% of Latitude’s seniors feel ready for life after graduation — nearly double the national share of students who remain unclear about their career expectations, a figure that has doubled in the past decade.

Jesus’ and Alexis’ journeys are a prime example of how work-based learning can shape a student’s future. During their first year at Latitude, a worksite visit sparked an unexpected passion for aviation in the two teens. “I really just fell in love as soon as I walked into the hangar,” Jesus recalls. When the time came to decide on senior-year internships, both students chose Wingler’s Aviation at Hayward Executive Airport, where they became immersed in everything from airplane mechanics to aerodynamics. Now Jesus attends the College of Alameda, where he is pursuing a license to become an aviation mechanic. Alexis, for his part, is pursuing a bachelor’s in aviation from San Jose State University. By graduation, he plans to be a fully licensed pilot.

I sat down with both students to hear firsthand about their experience and understand the impact of work-based learning on high school students.

Before you started your internship with Latitude, what were you thinking about the future?

Jesus: I was torn between going to college, which I wasn’t really interested in, or pursuing a trade, which I wanted to do. I always knew I wanted to be someone in the trades: welding, plumbing, something like that. But I wasn’t 100% sure.

Alexis: I had decided I wasn’t going to go to college. I was committed to going to trade school, joining a union, and going from there.

What was it about Latitude that attracted you?

Jesus: I was never really big on classrooms. I didn’t love learning from books. I really liked that Latitude took a hands-on approach. It opened my eyes. I really valued working on projects, so that’s why I chose it. I knew “This is the school for me.”

At Latitude, you were exposed to a range of professions before your teachers worked with you to define your path and select your internship with Wingler’s Aviation. Tell me about those first few days as interns.

Jesus: At first, we didn’t know anything — it’s an airplane!

Alexis: There was definitely a “wow” factor. I had wanted to stick to something so general, like plumbing, but now I was going to work on airplanes. It opened my mind. It’s a whole different world that not many high schoolers get to explore.

How did the journey unfold from those early days?

Jesus: The first month or two, it was just us taking it all in and learning from our mentor, Mr. Sunil. We started with basics: changing brakes and tires, doing inspections, working on panels. We observed and followed instructions, doing the work alongside them as they showed us all the tips and tricks. Eventually, we started to take on bigger projects ourselves and mentors would just check in on us. By the third or fourth month, we got the hang of it. We learned how to read tail numbers, how to start and control a plane. We’ve learned a lot. By the end, we knew the lingo and could do inspections and repairs on our own.

On site, you learned how to fix a plane, but also how to work with others, communicate in the workplace, and problem-solve. What are some of those professional skills you’ve developed?

Jesus: Troubleshooting, for sure. Knowing when something’s not right and trying a different tool or method. That applies to a lot in life. We’ve also met certified flight Instructors and private pilots at the flight school across from our shop. They’re very professional, and I’ve learned a lot about professionalism just watching and interacting with them.

Alexis: Yeah, business people come by to sell products or deliver a plane, and being around them, seeing how they act, it teaches you the level of professionalism needed in business.

Do you feel more prepared for life after school now?

Alexis: Yeah, I have a good understanding of what I want to do. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve grown as a person.

Jesus: Definitely. I wasn’t very serious in ninth grade, and my grades reflected that. Coming from middle school, I was still adjusting. But I’ve made a huge change. I’ve matured. I’ve seen the importance of putting in time and effort—it shows in everything.

Looking back, what would you say is the biggest takeaway your work-based learning experience has given you?

Jesus: A straight path in life. I have clarity. I know like what’s next, you know? I have my goals set.

Alexis: It opened a lot of doors. I didn’t really have my mind set on what I wanted to do. But through the internship, I figured out what I wanted to do with life.

So what is next? What happens after graduation?

Jesus: I’m studying aviation at the College of Alameda, then pursuing a license to become an aviation mechanic. My internship changed how I viewed college. I realized there’s a lot you need to know, and it’s good to get hands-on learning because then, when you study the book, you can make the comparison. You get the theory in school and the practice at work.

Alexis: I’m also pursuing a career in aviation, but I chose the pilot path. I’m going to San Jose to earn my bachelor’s in aviation and then I’ll get my license before graduating. I got a full ride. Eventually, I want to leave the state to do a course in avionics and open an electrical shop.

Your time at Latitude clearly played an important role. Based on your journey, what do you think the purpose of high school is?

Jesus: That’s a big question. I like it! High school is a place where you learn who you are and figure out what you want to do. It goes fast. I’ve changed a lot since freshman year. It’s about preparing to become an adult.

Alexis: I agree. High school is about getting a better understanding of yourself and who you are as a person. It’s about getting out of your comfort zone and meeting new people. It’s important to get out of your bubble to grow. That’s the whole point of high school.

Disclosure: The XQ Institute is a financial supporter of The 74.

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