Linked Learning: East Oakland Sports Complex Offers Oakland Students a Glimpse at the Real World

By Kevin Ingersoll, Teacher

Dewey High School
Health & Fitness Pathway

 

Thirteen students from our Health and Fitness Pathway at Dewey Academy had the honor of taking a backstage tour at the East Oakland Sports Complex (EOSC).

Dewey Students prepare to ask questions in EOSC

 

EOSC is part of the City of Oakland’s Parks and Recreation department. The complex provides hundreds of East Oakland residents a chance to take care of their health through exercise. It has state-of-the-art Fitness, Aquatic and Dance Centers as well as tennis courts, a baseball diamond and more. Students not only received a tour of the facilities and got to try out the new spin bikes that members can use, but they also got a chance to speak with staff members about their career paths. Pathway students also had the opportunity to see the 21^st century skills we discuss in class in action in the real world. Staff members used customer service skills with guests, and all guests were treated with respect. Some students were surprised to learn that skills in media and technology were also used at the sports complex, especially at the front desk where staff scan IDs and register people to use the facility.  Our host, Anthony Schriver, told students about all of the potential jobs that they could get at the EOSC and the qualification that they would need for each position.

Trying out spin class bikes at EOSC

Our Career Exploration Visit helped my students link their schoolwork to potential careers in the Health and Fitness industry. In school we call this the Linked Learning approach. This was our second visit to the East Oakland Sports Center. Staff members are so generous with their time and inspiring to our students. I look forward to returning yearly with new groups of students. Thank you, East Oakland Sports Center staff!