Flathead High School is one of about 350 semifinalists in the running for a chance at $10 million to bring their idea of a “Community School” to fruition as part of the XQ Super School Project competition.

The XQ Super School Project has asked people to “rethink high school,” awarding up to five ideas with $10 million each.

Launched in September 2015, the project is sponsored by the XQ Institute, led by Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Apple Computer founder Steve Jobs and chair of the Emerson Collective

“XQ encourages schools to re-imagine and design the next American high school because while daily lives have changed, schools have not,” according to www.xqsuperschools.org.

Flathead will finalize its application in May. Up to 50 finalists will be selected July 20 with winners chosen by Aug. 1.

Flathead English teacher ’Asta Bowen and art teacher Sara Nelson have taken the reins of the application process. Assisting them is a “super school” team of school staff, students and community members helping review, refine and lay the groundwork for a Community School.

While seeking money for further development, Flathead is moving the Community School concept forward.

Set to launch in fall 2016, the Community School aims to combine hands-on learning with community service and internships. About 50 students are enrolled and waiting to be matched with volunteer mentors and internships in their field of interest.

“What we hope is that it will build on and add to the classroom knowledge,” Bowen said.

The goal is to have students attend regular classes for part of the day and then spend up to 15 hours a week off campus in a structured internship.

The House Construction 1 and 2 classes are examples of successful experiences when students work and learn out “on the job.” The construction classes recently finished building a residential home under the guidance of professionals and teachers.

Community School internships will create opportunities to apply and further classroom knowledge in real-world settings, according to Bowen. She said almost half of students who were surveyed throughout the school “expressed an interest in doing high school differently.”

Community School provides something new in addition to current offerings, she added. It may also provide some answers.

“Students are looking out the window thinking, ‘I’m going to be out there [in the world] soon, what’s it really like?’” Bowen said.

The 2016-17 Community School students are seeking placements in medical, education, business, videography, cosmetology, forensics, wildlife biology and web comics fields.

The idea is that businesses and organizations also will benefit from the assistance of students.

“Teens have a lot to offer,” Bowen said. “They have a lot of savvy.”

Bowen has been involved in both the research and pilot process, which is built upon nearly 20 years of research and development at the school.

From 1999 through 2001, a Mentored Studies course proved to be beneficial to students such as 2000 graduate David Sturzen, whose mentor was a local graphic designer.

“I chose my mentored study on 3-D computer animation and graphic design,” Sturzen said.

Sturzen learned a lot about the field such as the education required, college costs and pay and employment prospects.

While he ultimately chose to become a radiologic technologist instead, he still is able to use graphic design skills for the various charitable events his employer sponsors.

Sturzen “highly encourages” students to participate in a program such as the proposed Community School to plan effectively for life after high school.

“Over the years, I’ve seen a lot of students spend thousands of dollars towards a college degree, only to change last-minute and decide that that career path wasn’t for them. I think a Community School program would really help guide the students on making the right decisions about their future schooling and career,” Sturzen said.

Professionals interested in participating in Community School should call 751-3479.

Hilary Matheson is a reporter for The Daily Inter Lake. She may be reached at 758-4431 or hmatheson@dailyinterlake.com.