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COOPERATIVE EDUCATION / INTERNSHIPS
Cooperative Education / Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a major component of career and technical education. Students are afforded an opportunity to earn high school credit while participating in a work-based learning experience. Students may participate in WBL in the 11th and 12th grades and may earn up to eight high school credits.
Types of Work-Based Learning
- Cooperative Education – Paid Work Experience
- Internships – Unpaid Work Experience
Benefits
Students benefit from work-based learning through:
- Application of classroom learning (both academic and technical) in a real-world setting
- Establishment of a clear connection between school and work
- Assessment of their interests, aptitudes, and abilities while learning about the career possibilities available to them
- Improvement of their post-graduation employment opportunities
- Development and practice of positive work-related habits and attitudes including the ability to think critically, solve problems, work in teams, and resolve issues
- Assessment and understanding of the expectations of the workplace
- Establishment of professional contacts for future employment
- Expansion and refinement of their technical skills
- Participation in authentic, job-related tasks
- Observation of the demeanor and procedures of workplace professionals
- Awareness of postsecondary education opportunities
Coordinator: Eda Rutledge erutledge@boazk12.org