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
Connor Driesenga, a senior at Hamilton High School, reflects on his journey in the Heavy Equipment and Diesel program at the Careerline Tech Center. Now in his second year of the program, he is finding further success after identifying his passion as a junior last year. Over the past two years, Connor has enjoyed the opportunity to learn, even as he faced challenges such as understanding the intricacies of engines, their various functions, and the complexities of electrical relays—skills he deems essential for his chosen field.
"I realized I want to work with tractors and heavy equipment and I just figured if I had more experience in a class like this, that would help set me up for my future," Driesenga added.
Additionally, Connor has engaged in job shadowing and work-based learning experiences through Hamilton Community Schools, which he believes have played a part in refining his career path.
"It has helped me," he says, allowing him to better focus on his interests while eliminating areas he's not inclined to pursue. He shares, “Hamilton has given me an opportunity to further my education and better prepare me for my future.” Connor is just one of many Hamilton students benefiting from the valuable opportunities offered at the Careerline Tech Center, where they are empowered to grow and gain experience for their future.
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.
The revival of the Hamilton Middle School Greenhouse provides unique learning experience for students February 6, 2025
How Mr. Hickok and the HMS staff is utilizing the Greenhouse for fun and engaging STEM activities!
HHS Junior Evelyn Boeve building her future through Careerline Tech Center Construction Program January 27, 2025
"This program has shown me that I can do more than I thought I could"
Tennis Balls help Mr. Meiste's Business Development class learn about pricing and profitability December 9, 2024
Students form assembly lines to find out what is most profitable
