The Central Bank Steamer Suite at Fulton High School is a high-quality model for interdisciplinary work-based learning. Housed above the school gymnasium, the suite doubles as a private event space and an in-house opportunity for work-based learning, utilizing culinary arts students to cater, business students to manage bookings and finances, industrial arts students to build furniture, and media publications students to promote the space. Through the Central Bank Steamer Suite, the faculty engage students across multiple disciplines while simultaneously addressing rural challenges to work-based learning, such as transportation limitations and the distance to employers.
The Central Bank Steamer Suite is an initiative of Fulton High School to scale its work-study program through in-house opportunities. Nearly two-thirds of students participate in work study, often spending 60–80 minutes daily or every other day in hands-on roles that simulate real-world jobs.
Central Bank Illinois has served as the suite’s corporate sponsor since 2021, contributing $60,000 to date through annual naming rights payments as both an investment in the district’s long-term success and a way to support future talent in banking and business. The partnership provides opportunities for direct engagement with students, many of whom later become bank clients or pursue careers in related fields.
The suite has hosted a variety of events, including class reunions, athletic anniversary games, teacher gatherings, and appreciation nights. When not reserved, the suite operates as a walk-in dining space open to the public, typically serving around 25 guests per game night, though attendance can be unpredictable as they work to build a consistent reservation base.
The Central Bank Steamer Suite has undergone a significant transformation since spring 2021, when it was merely a space with small windows used for socially distanced sports viewing during the COVID-19 regulations. The suite officially opened in fall 2021, with Central Bank Illinois securing naming rights and serving as the ongoing sponsor. Initially offered at no cost for promotional events, the suite gradually evolved, doubling the number of reservations from three to six between 2022 and 2023. In the 2024–25 school year, the suite reached a milestone of matching expenses for the first time and continues to seek enhancements in branding, functionality, and guest experience.
To transform the underutilized space, originally a little-used classroom with limited visibility, into a premium viewing area, Fulton High School hired an architect to assess how it could be redesigned into a rental suite that would appeal to event attendees and generate revenue. The resulting plan, which included installing floor-to-ceiling windows for a bird’s-eye view of the gym, cost $35,000 and was approved by the school board.
After Central Bank Illinois acquired naming rights and provided grant funding as the corporate sponsor, the space evolved into a full-service, rentable venue offering premium views of gym events, high-quality furniture, and catered meals. The transformation of the suite was driven largely by student-led initiatives and hands-on contributions.
Student leadership is central to the Central Bank Steamer Suite model, creating a space that fosters an interdisciplinary, student-driven work-based learning experience. Those various student roles across pathways are described here:
| Pathway | Role Description | Role Duration |
|---|---|---|
|
Business |
Students manage the financial reporting process by tracking expenses and preparing an annual report for Central Bank Illinois on Steamer Suite fund usage. |
Ongoing |
|
Construction |
Students designed and built custom tables and helped with installation work to furnish the Central Bank Steamer Suite. |
One time |
|
Art |
Students developed design concepts, including the Central Bank Illinois sign, and painted furniture to enhance the space’s visual appeal. |
One time |
|
Welding |
Student apprentice used the school’s plasma cutter to fabricate the Central Bank Illinois sign designed by art students. |
One time |
|
Media Publications |
Students lead branding and promotional efforts, earning around $10,000 each year through advertising displayed on media screens in both the Central Bank Steamer Suite and the gymnasium. |
Ongoing |
In addition to the support from these students, there are three key roles that keep the Central Bank Steamer Suite running from year to year:
The student manager oversees the coordination and operations of the Central Bank Steamer Suite. Their key responsibilities include:
Nicole Griffith served as the student manager of the Central Bank Steamer Suite during her senior year of high school. She originally planned to become an elementary school teacher, but her experience in the role sparked a new passion for business. After graduation, she began pursuing a degree in business, took a job at Central Bank Illinois, and continues supporting the Central Bank Steamer Suite part-time by mentoring future student managers.
Student workers are the hands-on staff for Central Bank Steamer Suite events, primarily responsible for preparing and serving food. Student workers are recruited by the Foods teacher through the culinary program based on their progression through food science courses and readiness to handle the suite’s fast-paced environment. Students working in the suite can earn up to $600 per year, funded in part by the Central Bank Illinois sponsorship. Their responsibilities include:
As the Central Bank Steamer Suite continues to evolve, Fulton High School is planning several strategic additions to deepen student involvement and improve the overall experience for guests:
Together, these enhancements reflect the suite’s ongoing commitment to innovation, student creativity, and community engagement.
The Central Bank Steamer Suite exemplifies how schools can blend coursework, multiple industry pathways, and in-house work-based learning. Through thoughtful partnerships, creative space utilization, and robust student involvement, Fulton High School has developed a sustainable model that empowers students, serves the community, and fosters local economic and educational growth.