Developing Mutually Beneficial Community Partnerships for Work-Based Learning.

WBL License | This program is completed

Central VT Chamber of Commerce 33 Stewart Rd Berlin, VT 05641 United States

TBD

Graduate

9/24/2022-12/10/2022

View Schedule

$1,794.00

Audience: Those seeking the Work-Based Learning Coordinator endorsement, currently licensed work-based learning coordinators, and teachers, guidance counselors and administrators who are interested in expanding the flexible pathway of work-based learning in their schools.

The Flexible Pathway of work-based learning provides many youth with an introduction to the world of professional work. In addition, these authentic learning experiences prove to be an invaluable part of a student’s learning experience, helping youth develop the assets they need to survive and thrive as adults.  Local businesses, organizations, and community members are key partners for high school work-based learning programs. Recruiting and retaining partners is the bread and butter of work-based learning. 

In this course, we will explore the perspectives of our partners and the opportunities that exist in the communities we work in. We will focus on how to create, grow, and sustain community partners, how to align our work with workforce and community development stakeholders and their needs, and best strategies to connect work-based learning experiences to student proficiencies and transferable skills.

The course will be delivered in a hybrid format, with some in-person classes*, and some synchronous virtual meetings. Please click View Schedule (above) for all dates, times and locations.

  • Upon successful completion, students will earn 3 graduate credits from Castleton University.

    *Important COVID-19 Information:

    In order to support the health, safety, and comfort of our colleagues and staff, please:

    ·  stay home if you feel unwell or if you have been recently exposed to COVID-19

    ·  consider wearing a mask  and/or testing yourself at home to protect yourself and others 

     

    Note: Participants assume their own risk by attending. VT-HEC may shift classes to a fully virtual format if conditions warrant a change.


Olson, Jen

Jen Olson has supported individuals with work-based learning experiences for close to 20 years. In 2004, working for the Lamoille Family Center, she co-coordinated the Getting Ready to Work program, a program designed to support and coach recipients of public assistance towards employment and self-sufficiency. In 2007, she continued this work through the Vermont Department of Labor. From 2009 until 2016, Jen was the employment and transition specialist for Spaulding High School, which led her to her role as the work-based learning coordinator for Hazen Union High School in Hardwick, where she still works today.

McKellar, Kim

Kim McKellar is the Mentor and Work-Based Learning Coordinator at U-32 Middle and High School, where she supports five diverse, personalized, community-based mentored learning programs. She has also worked for the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative for the last 10 years and is currently coordinating the development of VT-HEC’s new state-wide Work-Based Learning Pathway to Endorsement Program.