Work-Based Learning and Youth Apprenticeships

Experiential Learning

One of the many goals of education is to prepare students to be college, career, and community ready. By narrowing the gap between theory and practice, experiential learning (ExpL) creates meaning for students. ExpL provides opportunities for students to learn a variety of skills through rigorous academic and technical preparation with hands-on, authentic experiences.

Students seek clear connections between their current class work and their future academic and career plans. ExpL activities are about awareness, exploration, preparation and training through relevant, real-life experiences. Students gain insight into what skills are needed, how knowledge learned in school is put into action in the workplace, and develops a student's understanding of many post secondary and career options and pathways in a particular field.

MMSD Experiential Learning continuum includes, but is not limited to, guest/career speakers in the classroom, job shadowing, internships, cooperative skill standards experiences, and youth apprenticeship opportunities.

Students entering grades 9-12 are eligible to earn up to 5 elective credits for approved work-based learning or volunteer experiences. In order to earn elective credit, students must obtain an approved work or volunteer position and complete a work-based learning or youth apprenticeship course in Google Classroom, organized by the school’s designated Experiential Learning Liaison. You can earn credit for:

• Paid work/employment

• Volunteer position

• Approved Child/Homecare

Every 45 hours equates to .25 elective credits (credit earned will be added direct to student transcript upon successful completion of experience). At least 90 hours and an employer evaluation must be documented and verified to earn the youth leadership or employability skills certificate.

In order for students to earn credit, they will need to:

• Complete a one-page goal setting assignment (skill development plan)

• Complete Monthly check-ins (minimum of 3 per semester)

• Document work hours weekly (timesheet in google classroom)

• Complete a final reflection assignment

To get more information and/or enroll in work-based learning for credit, please contact Mr. Kastner at tmkastner@madison.k12.wi.us.

How do I get started?
Interested students should contact the EHS School-Based Learning Liaison, Amy Isensee to get started! Students can also apply HERE to start the process!

Program Timeline and Requirements
Program offerings differ between local YA consortiums. YA program areas can be found here.

Level One:

• Junior OR Senior year of High School

• 450 hours of work-based learning MINIMUM

• 2 semesters of related classroom instruction

Level Two (standard YA program):

• Junior AND Senior year of High School

• 900 hours of work-based learning MINIMUM

• 4 semesters of related classroom instruction

Begin:

• As early as JUNE after sophomore year or as late as JUNE after the Junior year for a Level Two

• As early as JUNE after junior year for a Level One senior year or as late as FALL of the senior year

Complete:

• By high school graduation for seniors; end of summer before senior year for juniors (extensions available for students with special needs)

• By AUGUST 31 following high school graduation (extensions beyond August 31st may be granted by DWD)