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Expanding educational opportunities for students in under-resourced communities

PCSD

PCSD Hosts CIWI Interns for Third Year

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Pacific Charter School Development’s Northern California team recently sponsored a new group of interns through the Construction Industry Workforce Initiative (CIWI) for the third consecutive year.

On June 26th, we had the pleasure of hosting a group of ten CIWI interns who are currently enrolled in universities and colleges throughout California. These talented students are pursuing diverse fields within the construction industry, ranging from civil engineering to construction management, development, and architecture, among others. We introduced them to our team and also facilitated conversations with architects and general contractors at two Oakland schools:  Education for Change’s Achieve Academy campus and Leadership Public School’s R & D school located on the Castlemont campus. To provide a comprehensive experience, we even arranged for one of Overaa’s high school interns to share insights about working on a construction site.

During the visit, we showcased the ongoing renovations in the existing buildings, as well as the construction documents and building pads for the upcoming construction taking place over the next year. At the first campus, the interns received an overview of school construction projects and had the opportunity to observe the construction site from the balcony of a building slated for demolition in the summer of 2024. They learned about the challenges that arise in the construction process and how the teams effectively tackled them. Moreover, the interns gained valuable insights into the educational pathways that lead to successful careers in the construction industry.

By the end of the day, several students expressed interest in school construction, as it hadn’t been on their radar before. This experience opened their eyes to the possibilities and potential within this field, and we are thrilled to have played a part in shaping their career aspirations.

Monte Wilson, CIWI Project Director, reflecting on the event, enthusiastically stated, “This partnership with PCSD has been an incredible journey, and this year’s collaboration with the CIWI interns further solidifies the impact we can make together. Witnessing the interns’ growing interest in school construction and their exposure to diverse aspects of the industry has been truly inspiring. We are proud to play a role in shaping their futures and fostering their passion for construction.”

PCSD Interns: Commercial Real Estate with InSite EFS

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PCSD’s summer interns had the privilege of learning from industry expert, Dan Morrar from InSite EFS. Through two highly informative sessions, Dan not only shared his extensive background but also provided a comprehensive understanding of commercial brokerage and the work conducted at InSite EFS. The sessions were filled with enlightening case studies, lively discussions, and a platform for our interns to gain clarity on specific terms, processes, and site selection and development. It was an incredible learning experience.

Dan Morrar, a professional in the field of commercial brokerage, captivated our attention right from the start. He began by sharing his background, highlighting the challenges he faced and the milestones he achieved throughout his career. His journey served as an inspiration, proving that dedication and perseverance can lead to success. Dan’s willingness to share his experiences and personal insights created a positive learning environment, fostering enthusiasm and eagerness to explore the field further.

  1. Understanding the Intricacies of Commercial Brokerage: In the first session, Dan dived into the intricacies of commercial brokerage, unveiling the key aspects and processes involved in this dynamic industry. From negotiating deals to market analysis, we gained a comprehensive understanding of the various roles and responsibilities of a commercial broker. Dan’s expertise shone through as he shared real-life examples and practical tips, providing the interns with a glimpse into the world of commercial real estate and the complexities faced by professionals in this field.
  2. Exploring InSite EFS: A Journey Through Case Studies: During the second session, Dan took us on a journey through the work of InSite EFS, offering a deeper insight into the company’s operations. He presented a series of intriguing case studies, showcasing the diversity of projects undertaken by InSite EFS and the innovative approaches employed in each one. The case studies not only demonstrated the team’s expertise in site selection and development but also highlighted the importance of collaboration, problem-solving, and adaptability in the commercial brokerage industry.

Dan encouraged active participation and open dialogue. The interns had the opportunity to ask questions about specific terms, seek clarification on complex processes, and gain a deeper understanding of the field. Dan shared practical examples and personal anecdotes to ensure that the interns grasped the concepts effectively. The interactive nature of the sessions allowed the interns to explore and engage in meaningful discussions, making the learning experience all the more enriching.

Equitas Academy 5/6 Video

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PCSD partnered with Equitas Academy Charter Schools to develop a new campus for two elementary schools (Equitas Academy #5 and #6) in the Pico Union neighborhood of Los Angeles adjacent to its flagship campus (Equitas Academy #1). The property, which was previously an armored transport building, was converted into a two-story classroom building with administrative offices on the second floor for Equitas’ headquarters. The new space has an open-air play yard on the second floor which includes daylighting tubes in the seating areas to bring natural light to the first floor. Seating has been added around the staircases to create breakout spaces. There is ample parking onsite.