In high schools all over the country, students are busy going from one class to another, carrying heavy backpacks and focusing on their academic studies. But amidst all the hustle and bustle, there is a crucial aspect of education that often gets overlooked.
The world is changing rapidly, with new technologies and job markets evolving constantly. While schools focus on teaching theoretical knowledge, they may not always prepare students for the real challenges they will face in the future. In fact, one out of every six employers is hesitant to hire young adults because they lack a strong work ethic and practical job skills.
That’s where work-based learning comes in. It’s not just an extra addition to the high school experience; it’s a transformative element that can lead to incredible success. Schools like Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana have successfully partnered with local businesses to provide hands-on career and technical education programs, as well as entrepreneurial and business development curricula.
Feedback from both students and employers has shown that when young people engage in real-world work experiences, they come out with higher self-esteem, a greater sense of responsibility, and newfound independence. These qualities form the foundation for success in both their professional and personal lives.
For example, Sarah, a student at EHS, participated in an internship at an advanced manufacturing organization. Starting off as a quiet and unsure high school student, Sarah emerged as a confident young adult by the end of her internship. She learned valuable job skills, developed a strong work ethic, and excelled in a team setting. Each success and challenge she faced during her internship boosted her self-esteem, making her not just ready for college, but ready for life.
Real-life work experiences provide students like Sarah with tangible accomplishments that boost their self-worth. It’s one thing to do well on a test, but it’s another to see the impact of your work firsthand. This kind of validation is invaluable and helps build a strong sense of self-worth that goes beyond classroom grades.
Another student, Marcus, worked part-time at a local utility and communications company. Balancing school work with a job taught Marcus important lessons in time management, responsibility, and accountability. These lessons extended beyond the workplace and shaped his character, making him a more focused and disciplined individual by the time he graduated.
Students like Emily, who worked as a receptionist at Eastern Hancock, learned important lessons in financial literacy and independence. Making their own money and managing their finances taught them the value of hard work and the satisfaction of earning their own way.
At Eastern Hancock, a personalized approach to work-based learning is taken. Each junior and senior meets individually with school staff to discuss their future goals, and a work-based learning coordinator helps connect students with local employers to make those goals a reality. By working closely with employers to understand their needs, students are matched with opportunities that align with their aspirations.
The vision of integrating work experience into education means that high school graduates will leave school with not just a diploma, but a resume filled with meaningful work experiences. This will better prepare them for college and careers, giving them the self-esteem, responsibility, and independence needed to succeed in the professional world.
This forward-looking solution requires collaboration between educators, parents, and the community to become a reality. By prioritizing partnerships with local businesses, creating flexible schedules for work-study opportunities, and offering guidance on balancing academics with work, schools can set students up for success. Parents can support their children in seeking work experiences, and communities can provide mentoring and opportunities for youth to thrive.
Real-life work experiences are not just beneficial, but essential for preparing students for the ever-changing world. By promoting these opportunities, we can equip young people with the skills they need to succeed and bridge the gap between education and employment. Let’s pave the way for the next generation of successful, well-rounded adults.
