Work-Based Learning

New graduation requirements for the Profile of a Virginia Graduate include a focus on career preparation and a high quality work-based learning experiences. High quality work-based learning (WBL) is a school-coordinated, coherent sequence of workplace experiences that are related to students’ career goals and/or interests, are integrated with instruction, and are performed in partnership with local businesses, industries, or other organizations in the community.

Mecklenburg County Public Schools offers an extensive work-based learning program that includes cooperative education, clinical experience, internship, mentorship, school based enterprise, and service learning.

All high school junior and senior students have the opportunity to participate in internships that are available through business partnerships. Businesses in the community have agreed to hire student interns for a minimum of 40 hours so that students will gain marketable workplace skills and valuable experience, explore their interest in a particular career field, gain guidance from career professionals, and potentially be hired for a part-time or full time position in the future. Student interns make connections that will assist them in their future careers in many ways.

All high school students have the opportunity to participate in the mentorship program and connect with business leaders within specific careers. Students will meet with their mentor for 40 hours and those meetings may be done virtually, over the telephone, or face to face.

All Career & Technical Education programs will offer work-based learning experiences for students.

For more information about work-based learning and a listing of internship opportunities, visit the MCPS Work-Based Learning website.