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.

 

Lasher Business Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley juniors and seniors

 

This institute focuses on providing Berkeley juniors and seniors substantive, relevant, and integrative instructional experiences in business fundamentals, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship. Students engage 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berkeley Health Sciences Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley seniors

 

This institute 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.

 

Directed by Nicole Ackerson, Ph.D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berkeley Advanced Experiential Biology Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley sophomores and juniors

 

This institute is designed for rising Berkeley sophomores and juniors who are interested in pursuing the advanced Life Science and Health Sciences opportunities offered at Berkeley. The institute provides a comprehensive survey of the biochemistry, anatomy, and physiology necessary to succeed in the Health Sciences, as well as personalized preparation for the science and reading sections of the ACT exam.

 

Directed by Nicole Ackerson, Ph.D

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berkeley Law Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley freshmen and sophomores

 

This institute for rising Berkeley freshmen and sophomores not only introduces learners to the legal system, but teaches students about the ways in which the law intersects with everyday life. The institute empowers students to become informed citizens equipped with important skills they can use in any future endeavor. From being a good steward of the community, to understanding the legal ramifications of downloading an app on a smartphone, voting, and obtaining a driver’s license—the law is all around us.

 

Directed by Sandrine Guez, J.D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Berkeley National Security Institute

Eligible Grades: rising Berkeley sophomores, juniors, and seniors

 

This institute is a great option for Berkeley sophomores, juniors, and seniors who are interested in the national security apparatus and the complex military, economic, diplomatic, 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, reviewing case studies, and engaging in a national security threat simulation.

 

Directed by Corey Estes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. Upper Division 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 to prepare for and create a successful self-tape, learn how to take a great headshot, and learn how to prepare 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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. This institute enables 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 journeys, but also their roles as informed, engaged citizens in a rapidly evolving global society.

 

Directed by CD Mclean and Christy Ortega Gaurkee