Many people assume middle school students are too young for career exploration, but by encouraging self-discovery and exploring real-world challenges, we can help these young people pursue their futures. Here are key considerations for work-based learning in middle school.
I-WIN made an in-person site visit to CareerSpark, an annual interactive career exploration event for 8th grade students in the Peoria region.
On September 10, 2024, I-WIN shared new resources to support work-based learning practitioners in designing career exploration activities and embedding essential employability competencies.
On September 3, 2024, I-WIN provided an introduction to work-based learning fundamentals. Better understand the resources and communities available to support work-based learning practitioners.
How can we ensure high quality, continuous improvement, and equity in work-based learning opportunities? On April 29, 2024, our statewide advisory group shared insights from a new resource for stakeholders, now open for public comment.
On April 4, 2024, work-based learning leaders gathered virtually for a discussion to share insights, best practices, and resources to address challenges related to student recruitment for job shadows.
Job shadows offer students an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning and direct industry exposure but pose logistical challenges. Learn how stakeholders are exploring solutions for issues such as teacher buy-in and student interest.
On May 23, 2023, we shared best practices, community models, and resources for supporting young women to pursue experiences in manufacturing. This session also shared insights and feedback gathered from female high school and college students on what they want to see in these efforts.
On November 17, 2022, we showcased three Illinois communities that piloted a multigenerational Health Sciences Career Exploration event: Greater Joliet Area YMCA, Rush Education and Career Hub, and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.
On November 2, 2022, Liz Rush of Clairemont High School in San Diego, California, shared the school’s continuum of work-based learning, including a mentor program and internship opportunities available to students.
On March 22, 2022, Science Olympiad shared how they work with industry and school partners to support and design opportunities in IT.
On February 16, 2022, we shared experiences along the work-based learning continuum in the manufacturing sector, with guest presenters from Ridgewood High School and the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association.
On November 16, 2021, we focused on experiences along the work-based learning continuum in the education sector with guests from the Southern Illinois Future Teachers Coalition and Educators Rising.
On September 20, 2021, we shared experiences along the work-based learning continuum in the health sciences sector, with guests from Whiteside Area Career Center, District 211, and Danville Area Community College.
In summer 2021, we hosted a three-part workshop series for designing career exploration, team-based challenges, and career development experiences.
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