Overview: A main component of education at a Big Picture School is the LTI (Learning through Interests) internship program. In internships with an expert mentor in a field of the student’s interest, students complete an authentic project that benefits both the student and the mentor’s worksite. Their projects are a key part of deepening student learning and academic growth. From 9th-12th grades, internships provide students with multiple opportunities to explore fields of interest, interact professionally with adults in a variety of areas, and complete real-world projects that develop their academic skills.

Internship Search: Students, parents, and Big Picture staff work together to secure internships for students based on each student’s interest area. Through the search process, students develop networking and communication skills, self-advocacy and initiative. Students are encouraged to stretch outside of their comfort zone and immerse themselves in the adult world. Due to age restrictions, some areas are more challenging to find internships for our 9th grade students. In these circumstances, we encourage students to explore areas closely related to their interests building skills that can be transferred to other placements when they are older.

Student Preparation: In the spring of 8th grade, Bellevue Big Picture students participate in an 8-week LTI Prep Class to prepare them for 9th grade and encourage students to start their internship search over the summer. In the 8th grade class, students work on networking, phone and email scripts, resumes and how to conduct and informational interview. In 9th grade, the LTI 5-week Prep Class covers the internship research and search process more in-depth, transferrable skills, the LTI project, mentor relationships, mock informational interviews, basic teen employment safety, rights and appropriate behavior.

Mentor Time Commitment: During the internship search process, a prospective intern will schedule an introductory informational interview which lasts about a half hour. If the intern and mentor wish to continue the process, the intern will schedule a longer visit for a job shadow experience. Once the placement is agreed upon, the intern will start his/her internship on consecutive Thursdays for 6-7 hours each day, lasting 10-12 weeks and may go longer if appropriate. During the internship placement, mentors are responsible for supervising their intern on Thursdays and developing a meaningful and rigorous project along with the help of Big Picture staff.

Interns are responsible for conducting 2 exhibitions (presentations), one at the end of first semester and one at year-end. Mentors are invited to come to exhibitions which are held at Big Picture. Also, there is a Mentor Appreciation Event in the spring to which mentors are invited. Mentor attendance at the school events (exhibitions and appreciation event) are highly recommended and appreciated, but are optional depending on availability and scheduling.

Join our team!

Are you ready to become a mentor or just need more information? Contact Tony Granito – granitoa@bsd405.org, 425-456-7868 or Barb Mercier – mercierb@bsd405.org, 425-456-7807

• Internships
• Project Based Learning
• Get Involved

Information for Mentors

Mentor an Intern Brochure

BP Mentor LTI Handbook

Mentor Quick Facts

Information for Parents

LTI Guide For Parents & Guardians

Internship Areas of Industry and Projects Examples  

Animals – Veterinarian clinic support, Equine therapy for children, Boarding and play therapy

Architecture – CAD design for small building, Survey of architecture careers and building design/topography

Automotive – Mechanics and computer system servicing, Rally Racing School YouTube marketing

Business – Event planning, Business plan development, Small business/retail operations

Computing – Video game development, Coding, IT support for schools

Culinary – Kitchen food preparation and distribution, Large event food preparation and serving

Education – Curriculum material development, Classroom support and supervision, Library management

Engineering – 3D modeling, HVAC designs, CAD designs, Drone design and build

Government – Data analysis, Neighborhood traffic safety, Fire safety, Transportation electronics support, Political campaign support

Health – Nursing rotation and patient care, Hospital operations department rotation and support, Naturopathic medicine

Non-Profit – Fundraising, Marketing support

Science – Exhibit docent – Discovery Corps., Marine biology, Museum support

Theater – Operations and support, Costuming design, Set design and construction

LTI Showcase