NSO Course Catalog

Arts Mentorships is a year-long advanced learning experience for high school seniors or juniors who seek academic challenge and who are ready to explore their goals for the future by participating in advanced study under the guidance of a professional in an arts-related field such dance, writing, music, sculpture, design, photography, architecture, theater, or other areas. The complete series is equivalent to a one-hour class taken for the entire year. Students will spend the first part of the year learning about professional skill building, becoming acquainted with the literature of the profession, and conducting informational interviews with experts in the field. From these interviews the students will nominate a mentor, the person with whom they will work for the rest of the school year and complete a professional-level project that has real-world application. The student is expected to spend four to six hours per week under the guidance of the mentor.

 Assignments include:

• Developing a professional resume
• Conducting informational interviews
• Reading and annotating articles from professional journals
• Watching and summarizing TedTalks lectures relevant to area of study
• Creating a professional-level project under the mentor’s guidance
• Developing an electronic professional portfolio

Arts Mentorships students develop an early professional reputation through a mutually beneficial mentor-protégé relationship, as they find ways in their day-to-day work at their mentorship sites to contribute to the mentor’s goals. They build skills in the areas of professional development, personal development, and leadership. Their experiences build a network of professionals and leaders, as well as peers who are emerging professionals and leaders.

Registration options include:

Taking the course for one year, two credits (one credit each semester).
– Register for Sections A, B, C, and D – two credits.

 Taking the course for half the school year with a summer mentorship.
– Register of Sections A, B, and Summer.  For this option tuition will be required for the summer session.

Taking the course for one year, four credits (two credits each semester).
– Register for A, B,C, and D – four credits.

For additional information, please visit Mentor Connection Online.

Or contact enrollment@district287.org