Work-Based Learning & Buddies

Work-Based Learning

Through Work-Based Learning, juniors and seniors gain job skills through internships, apprenticeships, paid work and volunteer experiences. Students explore careers through industry tours, real-world professional experiences, and by building a professional network.

Students can earn up to 45 elective credits toward high school graduation (during their junior and senior years, including summer). Flexibility with school schedules is available.

• 15 hours = 1 credit 

Students interested in registering for Work-Based Learning should submit a Student Interest form.   

Why Work-Based Learning?

Work-based learning provides students with real-life experiences where they can apply academic and technical skills and develop their employability. Work-based learning merges theory with practice, it bridges the gap between the learning and doing. 

 What are the benefits of Work-based Learning for students?

• WBL connects classroom learning to the real world

• WBL gives students opportunities to practice skills in real-world scenarios

• WBL helps students develop soft skills

• WBL gives students a chance to observe professionals in action

• WBL helps students network with professionals in their field and potential employers

 What are the benefits of Work-based Learning for the community?

• WBL build a more robust pool of skilled workers

• WBL teaches soft skills (so employers don’t have to)

• WBL lowers recruitment costs for employers

• WBL strengthens community partnerships

• WBL helps close the skills gap  

At the high school level in PSD, students have the opportunity to experience a continuum of activities that occur, in part or in whole, in the workplace, providing the learning with hands-on, real world experience.  

9th Grade

• Participate in Monthly Career Tours: visit local businesses to learn about various careers

• Resume/interviewing help and updated jobs in Fort Collins (16+)

• Complete career exploration activities in Xello including the Personality & Matchmaker assessments

10th Grade

• Apply for Internships and Apprenticeships for junior/senior year

• Participate in Monthly Career Tours

• Resume/interviewing help and updated jobs in Fort Collins (16+). Fall/Summer Hiring Fairs

• Complete career exploration activities in Xello

11th Grade

• Join Work-Based Learning to earn school credit for working/volunteering 

• Register for Work-Based Learning Careers or a Work-Based Learning pathway course

  • • • Pathway course for students who have completed 15 credits in a CTE pathway such as Engineering, Culinary & Hospitality, Business & Marketing, Computers, Education, Manufacturing, Digital & Multimedia Arts, Interior / Fashion Design & Architecture & Construction

      • Work-Based Learning Careers open to all students

• Apply for Internships and Apprenticeships for senior year

• Participate in Monthly Career Tours

• Resume/interviewing help and updated jobs in Fort Collins (16+). Fall/Summer Hiring Fairs (16+)

• Complete career exploration activities in Xello

12th Grade

• Join Work-Based Learning to earn school credit for working/volunteering 

  • Register for Work-Based Learning Careers or a Work-Based Learning pathway Course

    • • Pathway course for students who have completed 15 credits in a CTE pathway such as Engineering, Culinary & Hospitality, Business & Marketing, Computers, Education, Manufacturing, Digital & Multimedia Arts, Interior / Fashion Design & Architecture & Construction

      • Work-Based Learning Careers Open to all students

• Participate in Monthly Career Tours

• Resume/interviewing help and updated jobs in Fort Collins (16+). Fall/Summer Hiring Fairs

• Complete career exploration activities in Xello

** Note: Students can earn up to 5 credits per quarter for work-based learning with a maximum of 45 credits throughout high school. **

Buddy Program

The Buddy’s program offers 9th - 12th grade students an opportunity to work one-on-one with an elementary or middle school student for mentoring, tutoring, and developing interpersonal skills. The student is required to attend training sessions that include: how to work with younger children dealing with confidentiality issues and an orientation meeting at the elementary or middle school where the student will be placed. Students are responsible for transportation and tracking volunteer hours. Variable credit is awarded as follows: 15 hours of volunteering = 1 credit.