Real World Learning

Freire students engage in hands-on, real-world learning experiences that connect their education to future opportunity. Through internships, experienceships, job shadowing, and partnerships with local and national organizations, students gain exposure to a wide range of careers.

These opportunities help students understand the connection between their learning and their future goals, while building professional skills, confidence, and independence. From workplace visits to immersive experiences, students are encouraged to see the world as an extension of the classroom.

Freire student on an Experienceship job placement

Professional Prep

Our professional prep programs connect students with the professional world through career fairs, job exposure field trips, networking opportunities, resume workshops, and more.

In June 2024 we launched our summer Experienceship Program as the centerpiece of our professional prep program. Our first cohort of 30 students from TECH Freire and Freire High — selected from over 75 applicants — were immersed in a two-week paid internship program. They took part in soft skills lessons, an Improv team building leadership course, six days of job shadowing at eleven different companies and organizations, and reflected on their experience and lessons learned. This valuable learning opportunity has since expanded to serve more students and all of our high schools.

View the Experienceship Brochure

A'yana Holloway
“I would do this experienceship again because it pushed me out of my comfort zone, I connected with people I would have never met and I became more open minded in career fields I haven’t considered before.” A’yana HollowayFreire High School Class of 2024, Penn State Class of 2028

Our Experienceship Program Partners

These career exploration initiatives are crucial for our students’ future success, preparing them to confidently enter a competitive workforce. Our program partners have included:

  • African Family Health Organization
  • Blue Coats
  • Bohler Engineering
  • BRR Architecture
  • Buccini Pollin Group
  • Casarino Christman Shalk Ransom & Doss, PA Law Firm
  • Chapman Auto Stores
  • D’Lauro & Rodgers Inc.
  • DE Office of Defense Services
  • Driscoll
  • Freire Street Team
  • Futures First Gaming
  • Gilbane Building Company
  • Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce
  • Jefferson Health Clinicians
  • Larkin
  • LYTE
  • Mary Campbell Center
  • O’Donnell & Naccarato
  • Potter Anderson Law Firm
  • Public Health Management Corporation
  • T&M Associates
  • The Office of PA Representative Ben Waxman
  • The Office of Philadelphia City Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr.
  • The Office of Philadelphia Municipal Court Judge Colleen McIntyre Osborne