The School District of Beloit (SDB) outpaced the State of Wisconsin by a remarkable margin of 3:1 in providing students with meaningful work-based learning (WBL) opportunities! Clearly, SDB prides itself on its commitment to providing students with real-world learning experiences and acknowledges it as a key component of achieving its vision to prepare and inspire each student to succeed in life and contribute to an ever-changing world. Championed by Beloit Memorial High School Principal Emily Pelz, this achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of educators, community leaders, and businesses working hand-in-hand to nurture and grow the talent of tomorrow. The efforts around getting students in work environments early, giving them the opportunity to earn credentials and college credit, and helping them explore a variety of careers while still in high school are the kinds of things the entire community all agree on and rally around. Those goals cannot be achieved in isolation. Experience shows it truly takes a community to provide the level of job shadows, apprenticeships, and internships necessary for Beloit students to gain the real-world work experience necessary to prepare them for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Work-based learning (WBL) programs have emerged as powerful tools in communities nationwide, bridging the gap between education, work, and career options. WBL has become such a hot topic and recognized need that even President Joe Biden in his recent State of the Union message said, “I’m also connecting businesses and high schools, so students get first hand experience and a path to a good paying job whether or not they go to college.” The message is clear, and a resounding theme has emerged across Beloit, our Ford NGL network, and the nation at large—there is significant transformative potential for WBL in shaping the futures of young individuals.
The power of WBL is not merely in the acquisition of skills or credentials, but in the profound transformation it sparks within students. Stories abound of young individuals who, amidst adversity, found solace and direction through their WBL experiences. They serve as catalysts for growth, instilling in students a sense of purpose and possibility. Whether stepping up to support their family or pursuing their lifelong passion, WBL empowers students to envision the possibilities and bring their goals to life.
So, what is the secret to establishing and sustaining effective work-based learning? The truth is there are no real secrets or magic wands for making it happen. What representatives from the School District of Beloit and other community members from across the Ford NGL Network will tell you is that it takes old-fashioned initiative. It takes commitment, careful planning, and the support of dedicated community stakeholders.
At the core of the School District of Beloit’s WBL success lies the indispensable element of people—educators, mentors, employers, and community leaders—who champion the cause, believing in the impact it can have on students’ lives. Driven by a shared vision, these stakeholders navigate challenges and opportunities together, recognizing that waiting for perfection is a barrier to progress. Instead, they embrace the journey of continuous improvement; a mindset, knowing that with each step, they empower students to discover their potential and chart their own paths. A key element in the planning, coordination, implementation, and sustainability of WBL is having a resolute leader on the front lines. In the case of SDB, this role is filled by Career Academy Coach, Debra Prowse. Her leadership has been pivotal in ensuring students have access to a diverse array of WBL opportunities ranging from job shadows to apprenticeships and internships. Her unwavering dedication to empowering students has paved the way for countless success stories, enriching the lives of young individuals and transforming communities.
In the wake of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, where students faced unprecedented disruptions to their learning journey, we learned from Deb that WBL offered a pathway for students to develop and strengthen their agency and purpose. Recognizing the changing needs of students (including those thrust into adult roles prematurely), educators in Beloit embraced WBL as a means to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to navigate the complexities of the modern, evolving world.
Critical to the success of WBL initiatives is the cultivation of partnerships within the community—relationships built on trust, transparency, and mutual support. These partnerships serve as the bedrock upon which WBL thrives, providing insights, feedback, and opportunities for students to engage meaningfully with the world beyond the classroom. This type of engagement does not just happen- it has to be intentionally curated. As educators collaborate with employers and community organizations, they create relevant pathways for students to unlock their talents and ignite their passion for lifelong learning. Beloit’s hope is that students find relevance in what they are learning in school but also identify their talents and skills that they might use in the future. A tip here from Academy Coach Prowse is to stay focused and determined, but “remain flexible.” Despite the best of plans, the demands on stakeholders and the dynamics of the day may require accommodation and creative problem solving.
While Beloit is outpacing other districts in the state, the team has also adopted a growth mindset recognizing that there are key areas for improvement. The team is seeking ways to communicate more efficiently with all the stakeholders. Evaluation has also become paramount. While challenges abound in measuring the impact of WBL initiatives, educators in Beloit are committed to fostering a culture of reflection and assessment. With a focus on continuous improvement, they seek innovative solutions to track progress, harnessing technology and collaboration to refine their strategies and enhance student experiences. To address many of these issues, Principal Emily Pelz sees building and strengthening its advisory boards as a priority.
Looking ahead, the vision for WBL in Beloit is one of inclusivity and equity, where every student has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. As the community rallies around its youth, harnessing support for educational initiatives, the promise of WBL shines brighter than ever. With each partnership forged, each lesson learned, and each student empowered, Beloit stands as a beacon of hope — a testament to the transformative power of community-connected learning.
As the School District of Beloit strives to advance its WBL initiatives, there are some key takeaways from their experience to date that we can all learn from and reflect upon.
- Equity and Inclusion: Each and every student, regardless of background or circumstance, should be afforded the opportunity to explore their career passions and talents through participation in WBL.
- Student-Centered Approach: WBL should be student-centered; prioritizing the needs and aspirations of each individual. Students should be empowered to discover their unique path to career and personal success through mentorship, firsthand experiences, and career exploration.
- Business Community Engagement: The business community plays a pivotal role in shaping WBL experiences. By actively engaging with each other, local businesses and educators gain valuable insights into industry trends and workforce demands, ensuring students are equipped with relevant skills and knowledge.
- Structured Partnerships: Fostering strong partnerships within the community ensures a seamless integration of WBL into the educational framework. These collaborations provide students with diverse opportunities for experiential learning and bridging the gap between theory and practice.
- Continuous Improvement: A culture of reflection and assessment recognizes the importance of continuously refining WBL programs. Through ongoing evaluation and feedback, educators and community partners strive to enhance student experiences and maximize outcomes.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance existing initiatives we encourage you to lean into your Ford NGL network during your WBL journeys. We invite you to connect with us to learn more about the Ford NGL continuum of work-based learning opportunities which provide the context and settings through which students can practice systems thinking and innovative solution design. Later this spring we will also be hosting a webinar, Business Roundtables: A Powerful Low-Effort, High-Impact Activity, to help further the collective understanding of WBL strategies.
To tap into the power of the network reach out to us at [email protected].
Visit the School District of Beloit’s Facebook page for more information about their work-based learning opportunities.
