In lieu of the traditional WHS senior project requirement, Nueva Students are asked to take on the added challenge of a complete “Work Based Learning” experience with a local professional within an AME job sector.  During their junior year, students are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours, and seniors are required a minimum of 30 hours.

These internship-like experiences culminate in an extensive jury assessment process where students present to a panel of professionals and participate in a formal interview process.  During the jury assessment, students are asked to speak extemporaneously about their experience and exploration in their chosen AME field.  Students provide evidence of completion through physical samples of work, both a bound and digital portfolio and an artistic exhibition.  The jury panel is staffed by members of the local AME community, including working artists, business owners, and other educators; this population of industry partners is essential in helping to contextualize the overall Work Based Learning process, and provide students a sense of closure and completion after two full years of in-field, hands on AME education.