Joyful Journeys: Living Lab

At Palisades Episcopal School (PES), learning extends beyond textbooks and traditional classrooms. That’s the heart of our Living Lab program! Designed specifically for our 7th and 8th grade students, Living Lab offers students hands-on experience while building essential life skills like financial literacy, responsibility, time management, and professionalism – skills they will carry with them long after they leave our campus.

Throughout the year, students embark on a journey that mirrors the professional world, helping them build confidence and prepare for high school and beyond. The program is divided into four exciting quarters, each focusing on a key aspect of career readiness.

Quarter 1: Building a Foundation

We start by helping students discover their unique strengths and talents through a thoughtful self-assessment process. They reflect on past experiences, whether it’s prior work, volunteer efforts, leadership roles, or responsibilities at home, to uncover what comes naturally to them. Key skills such as communication, problem-solving, organization, adaptability, and leadership are assessed, along with their interest levels and personality traits, to help them recognize where they might thrive in a professional setting.

Students also research careers that align with their skills and passions, gaining insight into different industries, job responsibilities, and required qualifications. As they craft their first professional resumes, they learn how to present their experiences and strengths in a way that highlights their potential.

Through engaging cost-of-living assignments, students take a deep dive into real-world financial literacy. They explore the impact of minimum wage, the cost of everyday expenses, and the realities of budgeting based on different career paths. Additional assignments might include comparing rent and mortgage costs, understanding taxes and deductions, and making financial decisions that reflect real-life scenarios. These hands-on experiences help students build a foundation of financial responsibility—an essential skill set for their future.

Quarter 2: Interview Preparations & Job Assignments

With their completed resumes in hand, students explore a variety of campus job opportunities and select their top choices. Next, they dive into a structured interview process, where they learn how to present themselves professionally, communicate with confidence, and answer interview questions with poise. By the end of the quarter, each student is matched with a job that aligns with their strengths and interests.

Quarter 3: On-the-Job Experience

Next it’s time to roll up their sleeves and get to work! Students step into their new roles and experience what it means to be held accountable in a real workplace. Whether they’re assisting at the Equestrian Center, helping with chapel services, or supporting our tech team, they’re gaining valuable hands-on experience while being mentored and guided by staff.

Quarter 4: Mentorship & Transitioning Forward

In the final phase, students reflect on their experiences and pass down what they’ve learned to the next class, helping prepare them for their own Living Lab journey. The program concludes with a special celebration honoring their hard work and growth.

Living Lab Job Opportunities Include:

• Equestrian Assistants – Support barn operations alongside staff.
• Chapel Coordinators – Help set up and assist with chapel services.
• Sports Reporters – Cover athletic events for The Gryphon newsletter and report on game highlights/results on the school-wide morning announcements. 
• Athletic Assistants – Manage concessions and ticket sales.
• Classroom Cadets – Assist teachers with lesson prep.
• Clerical Helpers – Handle administrative tasks like copying and filing.
• Tech Helpers – Provide support for student devices.
• Photographers – Capture special moments around campus for marketing.

And many more!

One of the greatest joys of Living Lab is watching our middle schoolers become leaders as they assume meaningful responsibilities and make a lasting impact within our school community. It’s an unforgettable experience and a beautiful advantage to a JK-8th grade school – giving our students leadership opportunities that they might not find in larger K-12 environments.

Each week, we’ll be shining a spotlight on a different Living Lab role on social media and in The Gryphon newsletter, so be sure to follow along and see our future professionals in action.

We can’t wait to show you how our Middle Schoolers are learning, growing, and thriving at PES.