Extended Learning Opportunities ECHS supports include College Classes, Community Service, Summer School, Internships, Online Courses, Job Shadowing, and more. 

As a college-prep school, ECHS encourages all students to take community college classes in the afternoon or over summer.  We also encourage our students to proactively make up missed coursework at other UC-approved institutions, since we do not offer every class in summer school.   Here is a brief list of steps to take and things to consider when enrolling at other institutions.

College Classes 

Academic community college courses count for an extra GPA point and are the type of learning experiences that make students look  exceptional on their transcripts when they apply for college.   ECHS recommends that you take advantage of FREE college classes at El Camino College or other local community colleges.

You should make sure that the course you are taking has been approved as a UC/CSU transferable class in order to make up core classes required for graduation, to fulfill the “college prep elective” graduation requirement, or to have the credits count at a California university.  There are mandatory placement exams for some classes, including Math and English.  You must consult with the colleges directly and follow their registration process and deadlines. The following are required for registration and are available at the college campus:

• Application form
• Concurrent Enrollment form
• For students in 9th and 10th grade, the colleges usually ask for a letter of recommendation. We can provide a form letter – ask at main office.

Community Service

Community Service is an integral part of ECHS' learning experience.   To prepare them to become stewards of their community, all ECHS students must complete a total of 80 hours of community service to graduate.   ECHS partners with local non-profit organizations to provide community service learning opportunities for our students.  Below you will find information on community service opportunities at ECHS.   New opportunities are available throughout the year:

Community Service Forms:

• Community Service Approval Form
  
• Community Service Partners
  
• Community Service Log
  
• Community Service Rules and Regulation
• Community Service Documentation Form
  

Summer School

Summer School is available  at ECHS.  Contact the main office for a list of course offerings, and registration materials.

Summer School at other accredited schools is also available. You must make sure that the course you are taking has been approved by the University of California as a UC/CSU college-prep class. Note:  You must consult with the high school directly and follow their registration process.  Not all classes are offered and ECHS students may have last priority.

The two local adult schools that have approved coursework are:

• Gardena-Carson Community Adult School
• Westchester-Emerson Community Adult School

All other adult school programs must be checked for UC approval (please confirm with ECHS administration before enrolling)

Online High School Courses

UC-approved courses can be completed with National University Virtual High School.  These classes tend to be intense and geared towards the ability to work and self-motivate independently, but can be effective for some students and are more flexible.  They are expensive and you must have computer access to complete the assignments.  You must consult with the institution or company directly and follow their registration process.

Internships  (ECHS Internship Seminar)

The Environmental Charter High School (ECHS) Internship Seminar is a component of our instructional program that extends learning into the local environment to create lifelong learners and quality stewards of the community.  The goals of the internship seminar are three-fold:

• To provide students with quality opportunities for growth in a variety of career fields.
• To provide resources and information to students about job opportunities both during and after their post-secondary academic careers.
• In order to reinforce our mission to create community and partnerships, create and foster mutually beneficial relationships with local businesses, government agencies and community based organizations.

At their placements, students learn how to work with adults productively, assume responsibility for tasks both menial and challenging and report back to their school community about their placement and its focus. In this way, students learn about the larger community and have an opportunity to see many of the ideas they debated in their classes applied to real situations.

Additionally, partnerships with businesses and organizations that enrich our college preparatory curriculum promote student responsibility and introduce the student to the working world.  The internship objective is to provide students with opportunities for personal and professional growth that will aid students in becoming productive and successful members of their communities.  The following are the student requirements.

Requirements:

• Students will be required to complete 90 hours of work per semester.
• Students will meet with Intern Coordinator once a week for the Internship.

Direct inquiries to the Internship Coordinator through the main office.

Job Shadowing

Each year there is an opportunity to ‘shadow’ local professional on the job and learn about professions and career possibilities as well as office and other professional work environments.   For more information, contact your Guidance Counselor.