Curriculum

group of OLS students posing for a group photo outside

Classroom Learning + Real-world Experiences

Our curriculum is meaningful and life-related. Class sizes are small and class time is longer than a typical college course in order to provide you more learning time and differentiated instruction. Throughout the program, you will apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world experiences.

Courses

OLSBC courses directly relate to work and life. Our scaffolded course structure provides reinforcement of learned concepts throughout the program.

Examples of OLS courses:

  • Personal Finance: Practice working with a
    personal budget and understand how to balance a bank account.
  • Citizenship: Learn how to advocate for yourself and your community and how local government operates
  • Workplace Readiness: Explore career interests, polish job interview skills and learn how to solve problems in the workplace.
  • Electives: Choose from a variety of courses such as Theater, Podcasts, Music Appreciation, fitness courses and more.
Three OLS students gathered around a computer doing group work in their OLS course

Visit the Bellevue College website for a complete list of OLSBC courses and descriptions.

Community Activities

In every course, you will take part in a community activity directly related to your coursework.

  • Apply academic knowledge in a real-world setting
  • Learn about business operations and a variety of occupations
  • Learn networking skills and exhibit professional behaviors

Examples of Community Activities:

  • Recording podcasts at a local studio
  • Attending a King County legislative forum
  • Visiting the Microsoft Inclusive Tech Lab
  • Making and delivering trail mix to people
    experiencing homelessness
  • Hosting a campus coffee social
Three OLS students stand by microphones, ready to record in a recording studio for the OLS Podcast Course.

Service Learning

Twice a year, students and staff in the OLS program come together for a service project.  Examples of past Service Learning projects have included:

  • Making greeting cards for the elderly, veterans and disabled through non profit Full Life Care 
  • Organizing and participating in food and care items drives for the homeless
  • Making blankets for Seattle Children’s Hospital
  • Prepare grounds for spring planting at the Tavon Center

    “Service Projects are
    important because you gain new experiences and skills by giving back to the community.”

    Samantha, OLS Student
    OLS students dig in the dirt at the Tavon Center

    Internships

    Your final two quarters are spent in a 200+ hour internship with a local business specific to your chosen career track. Every internship is unique and tailored to your strengths.

    Business partners include:

    • Nintendo
    • Kaiser Permanente
    • Marriot Hotels
    • Lionbridge Technologies
    • Bellevue School District
    • Aboda
    • Toyota of Bellevue
    OLS student works with cat in veternary clinic for their internship

    Learn more by visiting our Internship and Employment page.

    Last Updated November 16, 2023