ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference: Full Schedule

Christopher Nesmith, a doctoral candidate at Washington State University, presents the findings of his research on the role of inter-organizational relationships in creating equitable and scalable youth apprenticeship programs. This session focuses on the collaboration between educational institutions, industry leaders, government agencies, and community organizations to align educational outcomes with workforce demands.
Drawing on the framework of Washington State's Career Connect initiative and inspired by the Swiss Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) model, Nesmith’s research highlights the critical role of intermediaries in balancing the needs of employers and schools while fostering equitable access to high-quality apprenticeship opportunities. The session will explore leadership strategies, equity-centered practices, and practical recommendations for building sustainable partnerships that empower students to achieve post-secondary and career success.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in connecting diverse stakeholders to create pathways that close equity gaps and prepare students for meaningful careers. This session is particularly relevant for educators, policymakers, and industry leaders interested in advancing systemic change through strategic collaboration.

Thursday April 3, 2025 8:00am - 9:30am PDT
Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

General Session

9:45am PDT

Building a Culture of Work-based Learning in Your School and District

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Regency ABC - 2nd Floor

Join us for an insightful presentation on how Orange Technical College, a part of Orange County Public Schools, is pioneering a transformative approach to work-based learning. Discover how we are forging valuable and relevant partnerships with local businesses and industries, creating unique workplace learning experiences for secondary and post-secondary students.

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Regency ABC - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Industry Track

9:45am PDT

Creating and sustaining school-industry partnerships

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Evergreen B - 1st Floor

Strong WBL programs depend on school-industry partnerships. Yet, schools and businesses face unique challenges in this phase of the work which can impede program development. This interactive session is based on the presenter’s research of exemplary school-industry partnerships that demonstrate how communities overcame partnership barriers and built local systems that ensure all youth have access to high-quality WBL. Participants will hear evidence from three communities in very different settings (rural, urban, and suburban) and explore common design principles used to create and sustain partnerships. Additionally, participants will utilize new strategies to develop and strengthen partnerships with organizations in their backyard that enhance existing WBL offerings.

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Evergreen B - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Partnership Engagement / Relationship Management

9:45am PDT

Defining Impactful Work-Based Learning: A Call for a National Framework

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Evergreen EHG - 1st Floor

In the realm of education, the evaluation and recognition of high school students' knowledge and skills acquired through work-based learning experiences pose significant challenges. The absence of a nationally-recognized credentialing system leaves postsecondary institutions and employers grappling with the dilemma of effectively vetting these students' competencies. Concurrently, the lack of a standardized definition for impactful work-based learning experiences further complicates matters, hindering clarity for both postsecondary institutions and industry stakeholders.

This Pop-Up Problems of Practice session delves into the complexities surrounding the assessment and definition of work-based learning experiences in education. Attendees will explore innovative strategies to address the gaps in vetting processes for high school students, offering practical solutions to bridge the existing credentialing gap. Additionally, the session will delve into the importance of establishing a national framework to define impactful work-based learning experiences, providing much-needed clarity for postsecondary institutions and industry partners.

Join us as we navigate these pressing challenges, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and pave the way for a more cohesive and effective approach to assessing and defining work-based learning experiences in the educational landscape.

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Evergreen EHG - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Curriculum

9:45am PDT

Expanding Your Work-Based Learning Portfolio: Amplifying Impact through Employer-Designed Challenges

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Cedar - 2nd Floor

Discover how districts across the country are expanding high-quality work-based learning (WBL) for all students! In this session, we’ll share key insights from our cross-site WBL analysis, “Clearing the Path: Addressing Equity Blockers to WBL in the New Skills Ready Network”. We’ll highlight our findings from the report, including innovative strategies districts use to tackle common obstacles and build a diverse portfolio of WBL options that meet their goals. You’ll complete an activity to self-assess your own school/district’s portfolio approach to WBL.

We’ll also dive into the power of employer-designed challenges to diversify and scale WBL effectively. You’ll leave with step-by-step recommendations for how to create impactful design challenges, ask the right questions, and collect and analyze data to track success. Join us to gain actionable tools and strategies for bringing equitable WBL opportunities to your community.

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Cedar - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Equitable Access to WBL Opportunities

9:45am PDT

From Plan to Practice: Building a Work-Based Learning Curriculum

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Regency EFG - 2nd Floor

In this interactive session, educators will explore the key steps to designing and implementing a curriculum that incorporates work-based learning experiences. From aligning course content with essential career skills to creating meaningful, hands-on learning opportunities, participants will leave with practical strategies for integrating real-world learning into their classes. Discover how to transform your classroom into a career-readiness hub, equipping students with the skills needed for ultimate success in a work-based learning placement.

"Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." – W.B. Yeats

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Regency EFG - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Curriculum

9:45am PDT

From Vision to Action: Building Effective Partnerships for Scalable Youth Apprenticeship Programs

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Evergreen FI - 1st Floor

This interactive workshop builds on the presentation’s findings, providing participants with practical strategies and tools to foster strong inter-organizational relationships that drive equitable and sustainable youth apprenticeship programs. Guided by Christopher Nesmith, participants will explore frameworks for aligning the goals of education, industry, and community stakeholders to create pathways that close equity gaps and prepare students for meaningful careers.
Through hands-on activities and collaborative discussions, attendees will:

Identify barriers to partnership development and explore solutions to overcome them.
Learn about the role of intermediaries in balancing stakeholder needs and ensuring program success.
Develop action plans to integrate lessons from successful models, such as the Swiss TVET system, into local initiatives.

This session is ideal for educators, policymakers, workforce development professionals, and industry leaders committed to advancing systemic change through strategic partnerships. Leave with actionable insights and a roadmap to transform vision into impactful practice.

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Evergreen FI - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Partnership Engagement / Relationship Management

9:45am PDT

Growing our Own: Through Apprenticeships

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Evergreen C - 1st Floor

D11 implemented an Apprentice Program that created a unique educational model that provides are bi-lingual students the opportunity to develop critical soft skills, earn multiple certifications, and enhances their future earning potential while supporting all schools within our district with translation services to make a better connection between the family and the school.

D11 is pioneering an innovative registered apprenticeship program that places qualified students in crucial operational roles, including:
1. Interpretation: Multilingual Apprentices facilitate communication with non-English speaking families within our district.
2. Accounting: Apprentices manage budgets and financial reporting
3. Marketing: Apprentices develop and execute promotional strategies
4. Technology: Apprentices help with basic technology needs across multiple schools

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Evergreen C - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Experiences (internships, job shadows, apprenticeships, etc.)

9:45am PDT

The Foundation of the Workforce

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Auditorium - 3rd Floor

Success can be described in a variety of ways but finding success in any career pathway is paved with the same foundation...work ethic. No matter what part of the WBL continuum you are in or cluster you teach, development of a talent begins with employability skills. Soft skills, transferable skills, durable skills, employability skills...no matter the title these need to be intentionally addressed to help students succeed. Join me in a unique look at conveying these critical skills through stories and data. Explore the clientele we work with and how to reach them on different levels. If nothing else, this session will bring high energy my hope is to renew the joy of WBL in you!

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Auditorium - 3rd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Advocacy

9:45am PDT

Understanding Occupational Identity

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT

Evergreen A - 1st Floor

Thursday April 3, 2025 9:45am - 10:45am PDT
Evergreen A - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Sponsored Session

10:45am PDT

Exhibitor Time & Coffee Break

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am PDT

Grand Ballroom Foyer - 2nd Floor

Thursday April 3, 2025 10:45am - 11:15am PDT
Grand Ballroom Foyer - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Meal

11:15am PDT

Enhancing WBL Curriculum through Industry Partnerships for Career Exploration and Impact

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Evergreen C - 1st Floor

The American Experience Foundation (AEF) has successfully enhanced traditional work-based learning (WBL) academic curricula in Washington, DC by bridging the gap between educators and industry leaders, building opportunities and partnerships for career exploration and skill development.

By collaborating with the local destination marketing organization and industry employers in hospitality, travel and tourism, events, culinary arts, media and marketing, and beyond, AEF connects students to hands-on experiences that keep them engaged in learning, complement their classroom learning, build their professional networks, and prepare them for future careers.

Drawing from AEF’s work, this session will explore how educators can enrich their existing curricula by forming industry partnerships and turning partners into advocates for your scholars to further create opportunities for internships, job shadowing, and more.

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Evergreen C - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Partnership Engagement / Relationship Management

11:15am PDT

Future-Ready: Transforming Middle School Career Exploration in the Classroom

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Cedar - 2nd Floor

Discover how Denver Public Schools' Spark Early Career Exploration Program has developed and implemented a comprehensive career exploration curriculum & course, designed to give 8th-grade students a strong foundation for building their career identities as they prepare for high school and beyond. Learn about the key aspects of the curriculum, our model with central-office support, how it is aligned to standards, and the work being done to incorporate the course into middle school CTE programs.

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Cedar - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Curriculum

11:15am PDT

How to Successfully Establish an Effective CTE Advisory Committee

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Regency ABC - 2nd Floor

This presentation will provide administrators with information and ideas they can share with their instructors in order to develop and implement meeting that provide benefits to the local business and industry. This session will assist in how to recruit and retain quality industry members to your committees.

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Regency ABC - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Industry Track

11:15am PDT

Mastering the Data Maze: Coordinating Smarter, Not Harder

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Regency EFG - 2nd Floor

Effective data collection provides vital information for effective coordinator and program advocacy. Learn how to focus on the data that matters to key stakeholders, and streamline decision-making with system-level insights. Join us to discover how to reduce complexity, work smarter with data, and drive meaningful results for all your stakeholders. Whether you're just getting started or refining your coordination skills, this session offers practical strategies and examples to help you master the data maze.

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Regency EFG - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Program / Data Management

11:15am PDT

The Apprenticeship Advantage: Empowering the Next Generation

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Evergreen B - 1st Floor

In today's rapidly evolving job market, youth face unprecedented challenges in transitioning from education to employment. This presentation, "The Apprenticeship Advantage: Empowering the Next Generation," aims to explore the transformative power of apprenticeship programs as a vital solution for equipping young individuals with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to thrive in their careers.
We will specifically examine the benefits of apprenticeships in non-traditional occupations, such as accounting and finance, demonstrating how these programs can provide young people with valuable insights and hands-on experience in fields that are often overlooked. By bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application, apprenticeships serve as a powerful tool for fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of today’s economy. We will specifically focus on our experiences in Maryland, highlighting our active participation in the Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP). This program serves as a model for effectively integrating apprenticeships into the educational landscape, demonstrating how we can foster a skilled workforce while providing young individuals with meaningful career opportunities. Through AMP, we will showcase successful initiatives, partnerships, and outcomes that illustrate the power of apprenticeship in preparing youth for diverse career pathways.

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Evergreen B - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Experiences (internships

11:15am PDT

Tracking States' Progress on WBL

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT

Auditorium - 3rd Floor

In 2021, the report Working to Learn and Learning to Work provided a state-by-state analysis of work-based learning (WBL) policies. While that report captured policies and funding streams at a moment in time, it also noted where states were actively working on their WBL policies. Several states had newly passed or recently proposed legislation, in-process strategic planning processes, or planned research studies related to WBL. Four years later, and largely on the other side of the pandemic, a new report is revisiting these states to understand how their WBL plans have evolved and what factors have influenced that progress. State examples to be highlighted may include:
• The Illinois Work-Based Learning Innovation Network (I-WIN), a free, virtual community where staff from school districts, postsecondary institutions, employers, and community-based organizations can receive professional development, participate in communities of practice, share ideas and resources, and build relationships with other leaders.
• How West Virginia built a customized data system that allows state leaders to understand the breadth and quality of work-based learning across the state, better tell its story, and tie data to funding.
• Findings from a Maryland research study that focused on testing and evaluating promising school-to-work transition practices for students with disabilities.

Thursday April 3, 2025 11:15am - 12:15pm PDT
Auditorium - 3rd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Program / Data Management

12:30pm PDT

Lunch

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor

Generously sponsored by Microburst Learning

Thursday April 3, 2025 12:30pm - 1:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Meal

1:45pm PDT

Blending Postsecondary and Secondary Participation to Amplify Work-Based Learning

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Evergreen C - 1st Floor

With over 2.5 million high school students enrolled in concurrent courses, and new regulations requiring postsecondary institutions to provide "adequate career services," there’s a growing opportunity to enhance work-based learning for both high school and college students. This session will examine how blending these two student populations can amplify the impact of your work-based learning initiatives while increasing visibility for community partners. Learn from real examples and innovative with peers to develop strategies that drive broader impact across both secondary and postsecondary education, ensuring all students are prepared for career success.

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Evergreen C - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, New & Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives

1:45pm PDT

Building a Nationwide Framework for Work-Based Learning Coordinator Training & Licensing

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Evergreen B - 1st Floor

Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a powerful tool for bridging education and industry, but training and licensing requirements for WBL coordinators vary widely across states. In this session, we’ll explore North Dakota’s approach to WBL educator training and the process for obtaining a WBL Coordinator endorsement. We’ll also compare requirements from other states to identify commonalities and gaps.

Attendees will engage in an interactive discussion, sharing their own experiences and best practices in WBL coordinator training. Together, we’ll begin building a framework that could serve as a model for a more cohesive, nationwide approach to WBL educator preparation. Whether you are an administrator, state employee, a seasoned WBL leader, or new to the field, this session will provide valuable insights and collaborative opportunities to strengthen WBL programs across the country.

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Evergreen B - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Curriculum

1:45pm PDT

Building a Sustainable Work-Based Learning Model through Cross-Sector Collaboration

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Evergreen FI - 1st Floor

Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas and the Region 14 Education Service Center have collaborated with local employers and school districts to develop a sustainable work-based learning model that provides paid internships for junior and senior students. This initiative complements high school career practicum courses, allowing healthcare and manufacturing students to engage in a series of activities, including job shadowing, work readiness workshops, and interviews, with the opportunity to secure an internship in the spring semester.
By fostering collaboration across sectors and clearly defining roles and responsibilities, this program enables employers to tap into the local talent pipeline, while students gain access to valuable career opportunities within their community. Additionally, school districts receive essential support, training, and resources to enhance their practicum and career preparation courses.
During the session, we will present the findings of a third-party evaluation conducted at the program's conclusion, highlighting insights from students, teachers, and employers. Attendees will leave with copies of the program framework, a detailed outline of stakeholder roles and responsibilities, examples of required documentation for schools and students, as well as an overview of successes and recommendations for future improvements.

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Evergreen FI - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Partnership Engagement / Relationship Management

1:45pm PDT

Experience.work, How Industry and Education Have Collided

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Evergreen EHG - 1st Floor

In this dynamic session, we explore the transformative power of Profession-Based Learning (Pro-BL) in bridging the gap between education and industry. Discover how this innovative approach creates a win-win-win scenario for industry partners, educators, and students.

We'll delve into Pro-BL's core principles and their relevance in today's rapidly evolving job market. Attendees will learn how industry partners can shape their future workforce while addressing current organizational needs. We'll examine the educator's role in redefining traditional learning models through industry partnerships and highlight the invaluable professional experience and skill development students gain through real-world projects.

Through a showcase of three compelling Pro-BL success stories, attendees will witness the tangible impact of this approach across diverse industries. We'll provide practical insights on implementing Pro-BL programs, equipping the audience with best practices for identifying suitable projects, establishing educational partnerships, and mentoring students. This will make them feel prepared and ready to implement Pro-BL in their own contexts.

This session is ideal for industry professionals, educators, and administrators looking to revolutionize career and technical education through meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Evergreen EHG - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Partnership Engagement / Relationship Management

1:45pm PDT

Facilitating Student Onboarding and Training

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Auditorium - 3rd Floor

Innovative online strategies custom-designed for participant self-efficacy in training and retraining based on schools' and employers' specific program needs, policies, and expectations. These same strategies facilitate school-based WBL coordinators' priorities for demonstrating equitable access and outcomes while providing scalable time-saving efficiencies and documentation.

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Auditorium - 3rd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Program / Data Management

1:45pm PDT

Maximizing Student Employability and Building Strategic CTE & WBL Programs

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Regency EFG - 2nd Floor

Join the team at Canal Winchester Local Schools (Ohio) to explore strategies to maximize student employability by identifying key credentials and certifications that align with industry demands. Participants will learn how to establish and maintain effective CTE pathways and advisory boards, with strategies to streamline communication and foster collaboration between education and industry partners. We will also explore funding opportunities, including reimbursement programs, to ensure students remain engaged and supported. This session will provide insights on creating a strong culture of career readiness in students, while being mindful of local and regional job markets, so educators can tailor their industry partnerships to meet real-world employment needs.

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Regency EFG - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Advocacy

1:45pm PDT

Working With Local Related Services

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT

Cedar - 2nd Floor

My Path is a CARF accredited Community Partner with Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) of MN. Through this partnership, we work with individuals with disabilities to establish and accomplish their employment related goals. Through this work, we have developed several partnerships with businesses and schools throughout the state. Learn more about the services we provide and the opportunities to partner with My Path.

Thursday April 3, 2025 1:45pm - 2:45pm PDT
Cedar - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Equitable Access to WBL Opportunities

3:00pm PDT

Career Quest: From Crayons to Careers - Work-Based Learning Adventures for Every Grade!

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Auditorium - 3rd Floor

We have an incredible K-12 and beyond WBL ecosystem in Jordan School District serving over 60,000 diverse students, including 41 elementaries, 13 middle schools, 10 high schools including 2 technical schools, 1 alternative school, 1 virtual school and an adult high school.

Our purpose in presenting is to provide educators and school leaders with a comprehensive framework for implementing a K-12 Work-Based Learning ecosystem that seamlessly integrates career education from elementary through high school, and beyond. This session will highlight effective strategies and resources to support diverse learners in exploring career pathways and developing essential skills.

Participants will receive access to all elementary and middle school curricula, as well as access to our Portrait of a Graduate Canvas.

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Auditorium - 3rd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Curriculum

3:00pm PDT

Changing Building Culture through WBL Access for Students with Special Needs

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Regency EFG - 2nd Floor

In this engaging session, educators will explore innovative strategies to enhance work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for students with special needs. Participants will learn how the K-12 work-based learning opportunities for students with Special Needs has catapulted the Central DeWitt School District to receive recognition as a National Unified Champion School in 3 of its 4 buildings. Participants will discuss the importance of inclusive practices that empower all students to thrive in real-world work environments. Learn how work-based learning practices can not only build skills, but break down social barriers and change the culture of a school building.

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Regency EFG - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Equitable Access to WBL Opportunities

3:00pm PDT

CTE Students Build a School: WBL in commercial construction

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Evergreen B - 1st Floor

How do you solve the challenge of offering hands-on experience in commercial construction to CTE students when employers are reluctant to have students under the age of 18 on their job sites? You bring the job site to the students! In Henrico County, students participated in over 600 WBL experiences while renovating 48,000 sq ft of a dying mall into a school for adult learners. The Adult Education Center at Regency is a game-changer on many levels. Hear how the Regency Project exposed students to WBL experiences and career opportunities in the commercial trades and gave adults opportunities to learn in an environment designed with a community college feel. It also provides a location to benefit underserved adult populations and an economic stimulus to the community. This project serves as a model in providing hands-on WBL experiences while addressing adult learners' needs and challenging retail areas.

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Evergreen B - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Experiences (internships, job shadows, apprenticeships, etc.)

3:00pm PDT

Empowering Communities, Elevating Students: The Future of Work-Based Learning

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Regency ABC - 2nd Floor

Unlock the Future of Career Education with Real-World Impact! Join us as we showcase how Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center’s innovative work-based learning initiative is transforming both students and communities. By embedding students from construction and building trades into real-world projects, we've created a hands-on learning model that not only strengthens student skills but also serves local partners. Learn how we’ve harnessed community resources and partnerships to overcome challenges, boost student engagement, and provide valuable services. Whether you're looking to start or enhance your own work-based learning program, this session will equip you with the inspiration and tools to make it happen!

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Regency ABC - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Industry Track

3:00pm PDT

Future Shapers Academy: An Innovative Work-Based Learning Program

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Evergreen EHG - 1st Floor

It doesn’t get more real-world than this! Learn how this academy brought students and industry partners together to impact their own community. Over the course of a year, students learned a variety of transferable skills as they worked under the mentorship of local business leaders to fabricate models for the re-imagining of the downtown Fontana city project. This session will introduce the ecosystem of this project, along with lessons learned, for replication in your community.

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Evergreen EHG - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, New & Innovative Work-Based Learning Initiatives

3:00pm PDT

Invincible Internships: Laying a Strong Foundation to Ensure Your Work-Based Learning Program is Ready for Anything

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Cedar - 2nd Floor

For 10 years, YouthForce NOLA has built one of the nation’s best high school internship programs, continuously improving a model that has scaled fifteenfold and offers work-based learning for 10% of public high school graduates in New Orleans. 99% of internship alumni continue into higher education and/or obtain a job after completing the internship, well outperforming the national average for similar programs (68%) and they earn higher wages than their peers statewide.

But building a best-in-class work-based learning program doesn’t mean it has come easily. YouthForce NOLA has tackled dozens of the inevitable obstacles that surface when collaborating across families, education, and business partners to develop engaging training and place hundreds of young people in workplaces. From matching an extra 20 interns in businesses to managing student transportation issues to adapting to shifting state standards, YouthForce NOLA has seen its share of bumps in the road.

In this session, you’ll hear about the foundational systems and tools as well as team mindsets and capacity that will help you overcome the predictable but still unknown challenges that come with building and growing work-based learning offerings. Join us to think through which strategies and insights you can apply to your own programs to ensure the work-based learning opportunities you build are ready for whatever hiccups that come your way.

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Cedar - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Program / Data Management

3:00pm PDT

Locally Sourced Talent: Build your District’s Talent Pipeline through Youth Internships and Apprenticeships

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Evergreen FI - 1st Floor

Thompson School District in Loveland, CO has developed multiple internal work-based learning programs that provide students with opportunities to explore careers and build skills while allowing various departments to "grow their own" talent pipeline. This session will highlight the highly successful internship and registered apprenticeship programs within TSD's Innovative Technology Services, with a focus on engaging a diverse talent pool, developing a custom training program, addressing the ethics of data privacy and network security, and building of a pipeline at the middle school level to support a high school work-based learning program.

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Evergreen FI - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, Equitable Access to WBL Opportunities

3:00pm PDT

WBL: The Importance of Everyone Being at the Table

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT

Evergreen C - 1st Floor

WBL opportunities increase community relationships between industry and education institutions, allowing the right set of circumstances to foster relationships beneficial to both parties, as well as students and the economy. This presentation allows learning what factors are needed to ensure a successful WBL opportunity for the student, secondary and postsecondary institution, as well as business and industry partners, which in return allows for all avenues to be discussed, including barriers that may present themselves for all involved parties.

Thursday April 3, 2025 3:00pm - 4:00pm PDT
Evergreen C - 1st Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Concurrent Session, WBL Advocacy

4:15pm PDT

Exhibitor Time & Soda/Dessert Break

Thursday April 3, 2025 4:15pm - 4:30pm PDT

Grand Ballroom Foyer - 2nd Floor

Thursday April 3, 2025 4:15pm - 4:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom Foyer - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Meal

4:30pm PDT

Employer-Student Internship Plenary Session

Thursday April 3, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT

Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor

Generously sponsored by iCEV

Thursday April 3, 2025 4:30pm - 5:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

General Session

5:30pm PDT

EXPO Happy Hour

Thursday April 3, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT

Grand Ballroom Foyer - 2nd Floor

Generously sponsored by Grouptrail

Thursday April 3, 2025 5:30pm - 6:30pm PDT
Grand Ballroom Foyer - 2nd Floor 900 Bellevue Way NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Meal