Work based learning is a competency based educational experience that coordinates and integrates classroom instruction with structured worksite employment. With the help of local businesses, students have a variety of opportunities to explore careers and gain valuable insights into the world of work. Businesses may choose to participate in any combination of experiences they wish.

Job Shadow

A student spends two to four hours, on a one-time basis, with an employee or series of employees, observing the various aspects of their job. The intent is for students to see what the job really involves.

Internship, Practicum or Clinical Experience

An unpaid, supervised work-based learning experience which links a student with an employer for a planned set of activities often designed to give the student a broad overview of a business or occupational field. Students are often assigned to a specific project or an area of concentration. Students develop job skills in a career area through these activities, which may be on a short term (6-8 weeks) or long-term (one semester) basis. Includes programs such as Corporate Classroom and Options 3.

Cooperative Work Experience (Structured Work Experience)

A school-supervised and structured paid work experience arranged by the school and employer to lead to an occupational goal. The student receives academic credit. The arrangement includes a training agreement and training plan. The work experience is directly related to the goals and objectives of the education program, coupling classroom learning with workplace experience.

Field Trips and Worksite Tours

Students visit the workplace to see business operations in action.

Youth Community Service & Service Learning

A strategy to combine community service with learning activities. Students learn and develop through active participation in thoughtfully organized service experiences that meet actual community needs and are coordinated in collaboration with a school and community. It is integrated into the students' academic curriculum or provides structured time for a student to think, talk, or write about what the student did and saw during the actual service activity. It provides students with opportunities to use newly acquired skills and knowledge in real-life situations in their own communities. It enhances what is taught in school by extending student learning beyond the classroom and into the community, and helps foster the development of a sense of caring for others.

Teacher Internship

As technology changes, it is important that schools teach the subjects and skills that businesses actually use. Through an internship, teachers experience the business world firsthand as they work in a business during the summer months. They then write classroom curriculum based on what they learned.

Classroom Presentation

Present to a class about your job, employer expectations, or tie directly in with classroom curriculum. For example, a personal finance class may have a bank employee visit the classroom to talk about starting a checking account, or applying for a car loan. An ethics class may be guided through a mock trial with the help of a local attorney.

Mentorship

A mentor is described as a trusted and experienced advisor who has personal and direct interest in the development and/or education of younger and less experienced individuals. Mentors from the local community spend one hour a week with a student in need of a positive role model. The time can be spent tutoring or simply enjoying each other's company. Teachers report marked improvement in students with mentors.

Senior Project

Community members make themselves available to serve on a panel of judges who evaluate senior presentations. Panel members are chosen based on their expertise in the area of the student project.