Work-Based Learning
About Work Based Learning (WBL)
Work-based learning (WBL) is the “umbrella” term used to identify activities which collaboratively engage employers and schools in providing structured learning experiences for students. These experiences focus on assisting students develop broad, transferable skills for postsecondary education and the workplace. A quality WBL program can make school-based learning more relevant by providing students with the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned in the classroom to real world situations.
Work-based learning is supported in the school and at the work site. While school-based learning focuses on academic and career and technical preparation as part of the classroom curriculum, work site learning occurs, away from school, in a business or community organization.
Work Based Learning in HSCT
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Types of WBL experiences |
Work-based learning experiences give students an opportunity to become immersed in various technology industry settings and interact with professionals who can serve as mentors and supervisors. This type of experience can help students make more informed decisions about their long-term career goals. Students can apply the lessons they learn in the classroom to real-world technology scenarios. As a result, they are more likely to master and apply the skills learned through career-connected learning, and they can demonstrate technical expertise in a concrete way. |
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Job Shadowing 10th Grade |
Students can spend a workday with professionals working in the student's career interest. Past companies visited: S&P Global, ZMC/Take-Two, Microsoft, NanoTronics, MongoDB, Bloomberg. |
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Internships Grades 9 - 12
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In 12th Grade students are placed in a workplace related to Information Technology where they apply the skills gained from the CTE area of focus. Several community partners are: SUNY North Bronx, NYC Public Library, Bronxwood Assisted Living, PS41, R.A.I.N, Sarmiento Electronics, Presbyterian Senior Services, Bloomberg Arts Internship and BronxNet Cable Access.
CTE Summer Scholars (CTESS)- Sponsored by Bank of America, CTESS provides work readiness training, work experience & access to a College Now course. CTE Industry Scholars Program (CTEISP)- (Grades 11 & 12) Partnering with Grant Associates, this industry-specific summer and school year internship opportunity provides a variety of career activities aimed at helping CTE students apply their skills in authentic industry settings, while also gaining real-world experience. CareerReady SYEP- (Grades 9 – 12) Partnering with our CBO, SoBro, this experience provides enhanced opportunities for youth to explore career options and develop work readiness skills, including critical 21st century competencies such as problem solving, team building, and analytic reasoning. The program is designed to strengthen connections between academic learning and career exploration. |
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School-Based Enterprise 12th Grade |
MOUSE Squad provides services to all schools in the building campus that require technical services for computers and networks. It gives students the opportunities in real-world scenarios where they learn and perfect their skills in the Information Technology Support and Services field. |
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Community Service / Volunteering Grades 9 - 12 |
Community Service is work performed by students for the benefit and betterment of their community without any form of compensation. Our students participate in food, coat and toy drives to name a few. The chapters/clubs that are involved are SkillsUSA, Lady Warriors & National Honor Society. |
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On-Site Projects (Workplace Challenge) Grade 11 |
A workplace challenge is a career preparation activity where small groups of students (four to six per team) are engaged in solving a real-world problem or a challenge issued by an employer. The employer in consultation with the work-based learning coordinator and a classroom teacher identifies the challenge. This year’s employer is Accenture. Students are working on the following topic: How might we use generative AI to develop a photo booth that, based on a picture, does it produce a piece of art based on user’s prompts or is it randomly generated?
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