Step #1:  Research/Apply

• Use this website to become familiar with the different types of Work-Based Learning (WBL) opportunities that are offered and to determine eligibility.  Have conversations with your career pathway teacher, your family, your guidance counselor, and your college & career readiness coach to determine which WBL opportunity will align best with your future career plans. 

• During the registration period for the upcoming semester, submit a completed Work-Based Learning Application for Participation in the Co-op/Internship Program along with a professional resume to your school's WBL Coordinator. Pay attention to the due dates provided by your school for WBL applications to be submitted by. The application can be obtained through the school WBL Coordinator or Guidance Counselor.

Step #2: Complete the Required Forms

• You will have an "eligibility meeting" with your school's WBL Coordinator. 

• If accepted for placement as a co-op or intern, your WBL Coordinator will guide you through the next steps, and the agreed-upon co-op or internship course will be added to your schedule.  

• You will receive a Work-Based Learning Plan and Agreement packet to be completed by you, your parent/guardian, and your WBL Employer. You will return all completed forms to your school's WBL Coordinator. 

• If you do not yet have an employer lined up, you will go through the process of finding a job that aligns with your career pathway and WBL course. You are encouraged to reach out to your WBL Coordinator and CTE Teacher for guidance and support in finding a good match. It is ultimately the student's responsibility to find acceptable employment. 

Step #3:  Attend the Mandatory Work-Based Learning Seminar

All WBL participants are required to attend a mandatory WBL seminar, which the school’s WBL Coordinator will schedule.

During the seminar, students will receive instruction on

• Workplace expectations, professionalism, and work ethic.

• Timesheet submission procedures.

• Employee feedback and evaluation forms.

• Student reflection assignments.

• Grading policies and required work hours.

• Effective communication with the WBL Coordinator and worksite supervisor.

This seminar ensures students understand program expectations and are fully prepared for a successful WBL experience.

Step #4: Complete Onboarding and Begin the WBL Experience

Co-op students and interns must be present at school during the first week of classes for the semester of their WBL placement as well as on any additional required days communicated in advance by the school’s WBL Coordinator.

Once all required paperwork has been submitted and approved, the WBL Coordinator will communicate with the student regarding:

• The school’s daily sign-out procedures; and

• The date the student may begin leaving campus for their work site.

Throughout the WBL experience, students are required to complete program-related tasks, including submitting timesheets and completing self-evaluations and reflections. These tasks are part of the Co-op or Internship course requirements and count toward the student’s grade.

Step #5:  Monitor Progress and Earn Credit

Throughout the WBL experience, students are expected to monitor their progress and meet all program requirements. This includes maintaining regular communication with the WBL Coordinator and worksite supervisor and completing all required documentation by established deadlines.

To successfully earn credit, students must

• Complete the required minimum number of work hours for the semester.

• Submit accurate and timely timesheets.

• Complete student reflections and self-evaluations.

• Receive positive feedback from the worksite supervisor.

• Adhere to all school, WBL, and employer policies.

Successful completion of these requirements allows students to earn credit for their Co-op or Internship course and ensures the WBL experience supports both academic and career readiness goals.