Center for Advanced Experiential Learning

As a leader in independent school education, Berkeley Preparatory School is proud to offer an innovative learning opportunity for our Upper Division students through the Center for Advanced Experiential Learning. The institutes within the center offer Berkeley students the opportunity to explore subject areas that may be of interest as a future college major or potential career.

 

REGISTRATION STARTS MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025.

Lasher Business Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley juniors and seniors

 

 

This institute is a program focused on providing rising Berkeley juniors and seniors substantive, relevant, and integrative instructional experiences in business fundamentals, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. With so many core business skills—from finance and accounting to marketing and management—translating into critical everyday life skills and impacting unlimited careers and pursuits, this transformative learning experience is designed for both future business majors and non-business majors. The LBI faculty engage students with stimulating and interactive lectures, intriguing and valuable case studies, problem-solving exercises, experiential projects, leadership development assignments, and the practical career application of key business concepts.

 

Directed by Carlo DiNota, M.B.A.

 

To learn more about the Lasher Business Institute, CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

Berkeley Health Sciences Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley seniors

 

 

This institute is an experiential learning opportunity that immerses rising Berkeley seniors in a comprehensive clinical and laboratory science curriculum that increases their general science knowledge, improves their critical thinking skills with iterative learning projects, and better prepares them for the advanced coursework in medical and clinical science post-baccalaureate programs. The BHSI faculty provide students with opportunities to interact with medical professionals in the area, analyze and discuss current medical research topics, learn cutting-edge research techniques, and explore next- generation medical topics such as bioinformatics and gene editing in a hands-on format.

 

Directed by Nicole Ackerson, Ph.D

 

To learn more about the Berkeley Health Science Institute, CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

Berkeley Premedical Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley sophomores and juniors

 

 

This institute is designed for rising Berkeley sophomores and juniors who are interested in learning more about the medical sciences. This institute provides students with individualized instructional guidance in content matter that will help them reach their highest potential in the advanced life science courses at Berkeley, as well as in the science comprehension portions of standardized tests. Students will be exposed to hands-on experiential learning opportunities in several health science disciplines such as medicine, veterinary science, and medical research. Finally, students completing this institute will be guaranteed an opportunity to participate in an exclusive Berkeley Academy collaboration designed to showcase their communicative skills in the health sciences.

 

Directed by Nicole Ackerson, Ph.D

 

To learn more about the Berkeley Premedical Institute, CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

Berkeley Law Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley freshmen and sophomores

 

 

This institute is a comprehensive program for rising Berkeley freshmen and sophomores that not only introduces learners to the legal system but teaches students about the way in which the law intersects with everyday life. From being a good steward of the community to understanding the legal ramifications of downloading an app on a smartphone—the law is all around us. Students who elect to participate in BLI need not have an interest in pursuing careers as lawyers. This institute is designed to offer a foundation for learners that they will carry forward into any academic and professional endeavor.

 

 

Directed by Sandrine Guez, J.D.

 

 

To learn more about the Berkeley Law Institute, CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

Berkeley National Security Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley sophomores, juniors, and seniors

 

 

This institute is designed to introduce rising Berkeley sophomores, juniors, and seniors to the national security apparatus and the complex military, economic, diplomatic, informational security, and intelligence threats facing America and the world in the 21st century. Students enhance their leadership, critical thinking, and communication skills by learning from guest lecturers who are subject matter experts, reviewing case studies, visiting centers of national security expertise, and engaging in a national security threat simulation.

 

Directed by Corey Estes

 

To learn more about the Berkeley National Security Institute, CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

Berkeley Institute for Advanced Theatre Studies

Eligible Grades: Berkeley Upper Division students

 

 

This institute is designed primarily for the actor who wishes to train in a rigorous, semi-private environment to prepare for the college or professional audition process. This institute prepares Berkeley Upper Division students for study at the next level, as well as how to break into the industry.

 

Students learn to choose, prepare, and perfect monologues that they can use for college pre-screens or auditions for professional theatre and film. In addition, they learn how to create a successful self-tape, how to take a great headshot, and how to design a profile on Backstage. They hear directly from professional actors, industry experts, and college professors about how to prepare a successful audition, how to book a professional role, and how to set the stage for a career in theatre or film.

 

Directed by Chris Marshall, M.F.A.

 

To learn more about the Berkeley Institute for Advanced Theatre Studies, CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

Berkeley Institute for Journalism and Communications

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors

 

 

In an age defined by instant information and digital connectivity, the ability to effectively navigate, comprehend, and contribute to the media landscape is more crucial than ever. Journalism and communications serve as essential pillars in preparing our students for the multifaceted challenges and opportunities that await them. BIJC is designed to enable rising Berkeley freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors to succeed in a world where critical thinking, effective expression, and ethical understanding are paramount. The institute shapes not only their academic journey, but also their roles as informed, engaged citizens in a rapidly evolving global society.

 

Directed by CD Mclean and Christy Ortega Gaurkee

 

To learn more about the Berkeley Institute for Journalism and Communication, CLICK HERE

 

 

 

 

Berkeley Technology Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors

 

 

This institute offers any rising Upper Division Berkeley student the opportunity to earn the CompTIA A+ Certification through coursework and hands-on experience. The CompTIA A+ Certification is a widely recognized credential in the Information Technology (IT) industry, designed for individuals looking to pursue a career in IT. Offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), the A+ Certification focuses on the essential skills and knowledge required to troubleshoot, manage, and support IT systems and networks. The A+ certification is globally recognized by various employers, including government agencies and large companies like Intel, Dell, Ricoh, Nissan, Blue Cross and Blue Shield, and HP. The demand for IT professionals is continuously growing as technology becomes more ingrained in businesses and everyday life. The A+ certification helps to position candidates favorably in a competitive job market by verifying their technical abilities and commitment to the field. IT professionals who hold certifications, including A+, tend to earn higher salaries compared to non-certified counterparts. The skills gained through the A+ certification can be applied to many areas in IT such as hardware support, system administration, network management, and cybersecurity.

 

Directed by Vincent Cimmino

 

To learn more about the Berkeley Technology Institute, CLICK HERE