News Summary

Huntington Beach High School has introduced a new Business and Design program aimed at equipping students with real-world skills through project-based learning. This unique program integrates various subjects, including entrepreneurship, and emphasizes hands-on creativity. Students engage in projects that connect classroom learning with local businesses, enhancing their understanding of the workforce landscape. With plans for expansion, the program currently serves around 200 students, providing them with a valuable Career Technical Education Certificate upon completion.

Huntington Beach High School Launches Innovative Business and Design Program

Huntington Beach High School (HBHS) is making waves in education with its new Business and Design (BaD) program, aimed at equipping students with essential real-world skills through innovative, project-based learning. This unique program integrates various subjects, including U.S. history and algebra, alongside an emphasis on entrepreneurship, providing a comprehensive learning experience that prepares students for future careers.

The BaD program emphasizes hands-on learning and creative problem-solving. Students have opportunities to engage in practical activities such as producing podcasts and creating photo and video content on campus. In a notable project last spring, juniors worked alongside professional designers to develop a clothing line that is now being sold at Jack’s Surfboards, demonstrating the practical applications of their studies in the local economy.

Program Development and Curriculum

Teacher Nick Schwab spearheaded the development of the BaD program after transitioning from teaching history and social sciences to photography in 2012. Initially, Schwab created a photography and digital design program that successfully generated $100,000 in revenue, which was allocated for scholarships and equipment. The BaD program seeks to provide a platform for students with diverse learning preferences, encouraging creative approaches to traditional subjects like media, mathematics, and design.

As students progress through the program, they learn to transform ideas into viable products or services, which includes important lessons on market testing and marketing strategies. The most intensive learning phase occurs during their junior year, where they acquire foundational skills in photography and design. During their senior year, students take an entrepreneurship course to develop and pitch their own business ideas, further solidifying their practical experience.

Student Experience and Future Plans

The program currently serves approximately 200 students, with plans for expansion through the introduction of additional courses in the future. Students who complete the BaD pathway will earn a Career Technical Education (CTE) Certificate in Entrepreneurship, enhancing their credentials for future job opportunities or further education.

Feedback from students and parents has been overwhelmingly positive. Students appreciate not only the grade-related incentives but also the genuine passion and interest they develop for the work involved. For instance, senior Sami Scot, who enrolled in the program primarily for its marketing focus, underscores the significance of the real-world experience the program provides.

Community Engagement and Support

The BaD program has gained traction within the community, particularly through collaborations with local businesses. Jack’s Surfboards, a significant local retailer, has shown interest in the program and has worked with students on various design projects. Five designs created by students have already been approved and are currently being sold at Jack’s Surfboards, illustrating the community’s active engagement with the program.

The collaborative efforts between students and local businesses underscore the practical application of skills learned in the BaD program, enhancing students’ understanding of the entrepreneurship landscape. As the program continues to evolve, it remains committed to preparing students for a dynamic workforce while fostering creativity and innovation.

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Additional Resources

• Los Angeles Times: Huntington Beach High School Launches Innovative Business and Design Program
• Google Search: Huntington Beach High School Business and Design program
• Business Wire: Karman Space Defense Announces Proposed Public Offering of Common Stock
• Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
• New York Times: Huntington Beach MAGA Plaque Controversy
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Business
• KTLA: Shooter at Huntington Beach Business Was Employee, Coworkers Targeted
• Google News: Huntington Beach business shooting

Author: STAFF HERE HUNTINGTON BEACH

The Huntington Beach Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntington Beach, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Huntington Beach Surf City USA Marathon, the U.S. Open of Surfing, Fourth of July celebrations at the Huntington Beach Pier, and community festivals at Huntington Beach Central Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntington Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Huntington Beach, plus leading businesses in retail, hospitality, and outdoor recreation that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.