The study examined WBL in three different types of programs in Los Angeles, with an emphasis on the students' perspective and experience. The three programs operate in the same large, metropolitan school district and serve similar populations of mostly minority students. We observed two students performing internships at engineering construction firms. Students' work was primarily clerical, but in some cases it was related to technical areas. Students rotate in several placements for one morning a week throughout the school year.
Students receive elective course credit for their internship work.
We observed two students who were hired to work over the summer as laboratory assistants in the science department at a local university. These students assisted in conducting neuromuscular research projects. The SBE is housed on a high school campus, and students work after school for a few hours, odd hours over weekends, and over the summer. Students learn all aspects of running a business, with an emphasis on entrepreneurial skills. Students receive points for their work, which are exchanged for the dollar value of company shares upon high school graduation.