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
Four Hamilton High School seniors are shifting their futures into high gear—earning their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL) ahead of graduation through Hamilton’s innovative CDL program, now in its second year.
Congratulations to Max Meiste, Porter Borgman, Hayden Block, and Eli Ramsey, who completed the demanding training and licensing process with the help of 17 generous local donors who helped fund the program. Their efforts are already paying off as these students hit the road—literally—toward career-ready opportunities.
For each student, the CDL opens a unique path. Eli plans to pursue a career in excavation, using his CDL to haul heavy equipment. Max dreams of traveling the country as a truck driver. Porter, already working in plumbing, sees the CDL as a backup plan and added skill for the future. Hayden hopes to deliver heavy equipment to local farms.
“I wasn’t really expecting to be able to do this while still in school,” Eli said. “But it’s nice to have it before I even graduate high school.”
All four seniors expressed deep appreciation for the donors who helped fund their classes, tests, and training—an investment that gives students a valuable credential and real-world experience before even walking across the graduation stage.
“The donors really helped us out,” said Hayden. “It’s a huge advantage at a young age and puts us in a better spot for the future.”
The CDL program is just one of many career-focused opportunities available to Hamilton students, preparing them to be workforce-ready, confident, and adaptable. As Max summed it up: “Hamilton has gotten me ready for the future by giving me this opportunity.”
Thanks to continued community support and student determination, the Hamilton CDL program is paving a strong path forward—one mile marker at a time.
"Hamilton Community Schools provided four driven, respectful students who exemplify the character and responsibility needed in this industry," said Bill Baareman of FCG Truck Driving School, who trained the students. "Their one-of-a-kind CDL program is giving students a direct path to strong career opportunities right out of high school. Great things are happening at Hamilton!"
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.
AgScience Day Introduces 8th Graders to Agriculture and Animal Science Careers March 31, 2025
Local businesses and individuals come together to provide a great experience for our students
Sparking his future! Dylan Loew welding his way to success at the Careerline Tech Center March 19, 2025
"It's really cool to be able to do this type of trade at a young age."
Hamilton High School’s ‘Teacher Treat Cart’ Brings Sweet Surprises and Life Skills March 2, 2025
Ms. Westra's class provides smiles for teachers while preparing for their future
