Work Based Learning

Work Based Learning (WBL) includes a continuum of career awareness, career exploration, and career preparation.  It combines an individual student's career goals, structured learning, and authentic work experiences as implemented through a sustained partnership with Kansas business/industry partners.

The goal of Work Based Learning is to provide students Market Value Assets, resume' building experiences, and Diploma+ endorsement(s) that set them up for success after they graduate high School.

Currently, Diploma+ offers Work Based Learning Opportunities across CTE courses, as well as partnering teachers in courses in the Fine Arts, World Languages, Environmental Science, and English Language Arts. 

The following Work Based Learning opportunities are available to students in grades 9-12: 

• Client Connected Projects: Students collaborate with businesses and community partners to solve organizational problems.  They create real world products, services, or events in class, while receiving feedback and mentorship from industry experts.

• Qualified Internships:  Students are offered internship courses with industry partners in their field of study, both paid and unpaid.  Some experiences are through qualifying courses, and others are offered as after-school or summer opportunities.   Some of our Internship partners include:  The Learning Club, The University of Kansas Hospital, The University of Kansas Medical School, Mercy and Truth Medical Mission Clinic, and other local community partners.  

• Service Learning Projects: Use student voices to organize, plan, and work together with various organizations to make our community better as part of their ongoing coursework.

• Entrepreneurial Experiences: Students create business and marketing plans and pitch to potential investors.  Some competitions include scholarship and cash prizes! 

• Social Change Internships:  Like Service Learning Projects, students work in class on projects designed to tackle community issues they've identified as important, and pitch solutions to community members and stakeholders in an effort to make their dreams a reality.  Social Change Internships include rigorous research, expert feedback, and public presentations as part of their endorsement.