ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference

This session will feature a dynamic panel of three CTE teachers (Agriculture, Health Science, and Design & Multimedia) alongside their Work-Based Learning (WBL) students, sharing real-world experiences in internships, on-the-job training, and supervised entrepreneurial ventures. The panel will explore how these opportunities were developed through partnerships with local industries, community leaders, and other key stakeholders, giving students valuable technical, employability, and career readiness skills.

Students will discuss their involvement in hands-on learning environments, such as Demon Graphics—a student-run design and print business—and HOSA Learning Labs and Community Clinics, where they applied classroom knowledge in real-world settings. Additionally, an Agriculture student will highlight their experience working with the La Plata County Economic Alliance, where they participated in local agricultural business initiatives, gained insights into sustainable farming practices, and developed leadership skills through community-based projects. Teachers will outline how they established and managed these entrepreneurial experiences, fostered collaboration with industry partners, and contributed to creating a skilled workforce to support the local economy and the education sector.

Suggested Format:
The session will be conducted as a panel discussion moderated by the CTE Director of Durango School District 9-R. Teachers and their WBL students will discuss their collaborative processes and how they created a successful WBL environment. The session will conclude with a Q&A, allowing attendees to engage directly with the panelists.