Work Based Learning
Work Based Learning gives students an opportunity to bring relevance to learning, explore career possibilities, and make informed decisions about their future career.
As part of the District Plan, all Hamilton students will graduate with career and life skills necessary to be informed consumers, skillful and productive workers, and active citizens.
Work Based Learning will develop and implement business partnerships offering Hamilton Community Schools students opportunities for real-world career explanation and skill building.
After approval from the Board of Education, 2027 Hamilton Community Schools graduates will be based on high school class credit and experiences. From fifth grade through senior year, all students will be exposed to Work Based Learning.
Additional information about Work Based Learning and answers to frequently asked questions.
A list of terms related to Work Based Learning and a description of what they mean.
Naviance is a platform that Hamilton uses for EDP completion, requesting transcripts, getting letters of recommendations, searching for colleges, applying to colleges, creating resumes, and completing reflections as it relates to Work Based Learning Experiences. An EDP is a series of tasks and activities, a portfolio of experiences, assessments, and goals related to a student's interests, abilities, and future plans.
An interactive list of all Work Based Learning opportunities for Hamilton Community Schools students.
Work Based Learning Stories
In an exciting opportunity to broaden their horizons and explore potential career paths, Ms. Lillmars' 6th grade students of Hamilton Middle School recently visited Evoqua Water Technologies - Xylem in Holland. The visit is a part of Hamilton Community Schools' Work Based Learning program, continuing and expanding upon the partnership between HCS and Xylem.
"I have loved having a different group of Hamilton students every year to come in and see our facility," said Xylem Human Resources Business Partner, Ben Lundquist. "It's rare for students to be able to see what a factory is actually like, so I think this program is really cool to get students into local businesses."
During the visit, students were guided through different departments of the Xylem facility, including production lines, electrical, engineering, and quality control areas. Employees from different roles shared their experiences, offering students insight into their daily tasks and the qualifications needed for their positions.
Ms. Lillmars' class will be working with Xylem throughout the school year to help solve a driving question provided by the company that the students can assist with. The first visit on Monday helps capture an understanding for our students. Thank you, Xylem for your partnership!
Work Based Learning Contacts
Ashley Meyer
Work Based Learning/Experiential Learning Coordinator
ameyer@hamiltonschools.us
Mrs. Meyer can answer questions about business and community partnerships, district Work Based Learning opportunities and WBL curriculum.
Madeline Gentile
Business Department Teacher & Work Based Learning Advisor
mgentile@hamiltonschools.us
Mrs. Gentile can answer questions about Co-op, high school Work Based Learning opportunities, and Work Based Learning graduation requirements.
Mat Rehkopf
Director of Career, College & Innovative Programs
mlrehkop@hamiltonschools.us
Mr. Rehkopf can answer questions about curriculum.
Hamilton 6th graders explore Evoqua Water Technologies - Xylem through Work Based Learning September 17, 2024
"It's rare that students get an opportunity to see what a factory is really like."
From Business Owner to Hamilton High School HVAC Teacher, Meet Mr. Tom Burton September 11, 2024
As a successful business owner of 35 years, Mr. Burton is now learning a new role
Hamilton starts HVAC class at Hamilton High School as part of its commitment to Work Based Learning July 23, 2024
Local business owner Tom Burton hired to teach the new class
First generation college student gets a jump start from Hamilton High School May 28, 2024
2024 HHS graduate Michael Olsen set to enroll at Davenport University with 45 credits
