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In the bustling halls of high schools across America, students race between classes, their backpacks heavy with textbooks and their minds laden with academic expectations. Yet, a vital component of education remains overlooked.
Education often lags behind in today’s rapidly evolving world, where technological advancements and shifting job markets are the norm. While classrooms focus on theoretical knowledge, they may fail to prepare students for the real-life challenges they will inevitably face. One in six employers is hesitant to hire young adults due to their lack of a strong work ethic and practical job skills, even as they struggle to fill critical labor gaps.
Work-based learning partnerships are not just an add-on to the high school experience; they’re a transformative element that can lead to remarkable success. At Eastern Hancock Schools in Indiana, we’ve successfully engaged with local businesses to build robust, hands-on career and technical education (CTE) programs, as well as develop entrepreneurial and business development curricula.
What we’ve discovered from feedback provided by both students and employers is that when youth engage in real-world work experiences, they emerge with higher self-esteem, a greater sense of responsibility, and newfound independence, all of which set the foundation for professional and personal success.
Building self-esteem
Feeling needed and valued at work provides students with an immediate ego boost, according to psychologist Barbara Greenberg; in one study, 70 percent of parents reported a positive difference in their child’s self-esteem and confidence once they entered the workforce.
Consider the case of Sarah, an EHS student who spent part of her school day working at an advanced manufacturing organization. Sarah entered the internship as a quiet, unsure high school student but left as a confident young adult ready to tackle any challenge. Through her hands-on experience, she learned job skills, developed a strong work ethic, and thrived in a teamwork setting–each success she achieved and every challenge she overcame ignited her self-esteem. By the time Sarah graduated, she was not just college-ready; she was life-ready.
Real-life work experiences provide students like Sarah with tangible accomplishments. They see the direct impact of their efforts, which is profoundly empowering. It’s one thing to score well on a test; it’s another to see a project you worked on come to fruition and make a real impact. This kind of validation is irreplaceable and builds a robust sense of self-worth that classroom grades alone cannot provide.
Cultivating responsibility
Another EHS student, Marcus, worked part-time at a local utility and communications company. Balancing school work with a job taught Marcus invaluable lessons in time management, responsibility, and accountability. He learned what it meant to be relied upon by his employer and colleagues. He saw the consequences of tardiness, punctuality’s value, and dependability’s importance.
These lessons in responsibility transcend the workplace. They shape character and instill a work ethic that benefits students in all areas of life. Marcus’s teachers noticed his improved focus and discipline, which are directly attributable to his work experience. By the time he graduated, Marcus was not just a student with good grades but a reliable young man ready to meet the demands of adulthood.
Fostering independence
Real-world work experiences also foster independence. When students like Emily, who worked as a receptionist in the central office at Eastern Hancock, take on jobs, they earn their own money and make their own financial decisions. They learn the value of a dollar and the satisfaction of earning their way.
Emily’s experience taught her financial literacy, budget management, and the confidence that comes from financial independence. She learned to make choices about saving, spending, and managing her resources–lessons that set her apart from peers who had yet to encounter these real-world responsibilities.
At Eastern Hancock, we take a personalized approach to work-based learning. Each junior and senior meets individually with the principal and superintendent to discuss their future goals. Our work-based learning coordinator then helps make those dreams a reality by connecting students to local employers, guiding them through the application and interview process, and providing ongoing support. By working closely with employers to understand their needs, we match student aspirations with community opportunities–like two puzzle pieces coming together. This comprehensive support helps students thrive both in school and beyond.
The forward-looking solution: Integrating work experience into education
Imagine a future where high school students graduate with a diploma and a resume filled with meaningful work experiences. These students will be better prepared for college and careers, equipped with self-esteem, responsibility, and independence from real-world achievements. They will enter the workforce not as novices but as seasoned individuals who understand the dynamics of professional environments.
This vision requires a collective effort from educators, parents, and the community to become a reality. Schools must prioritize partnerships with local businesses, create flexible schedules that allow for work-study opportunities, and provide guidance on balancing academics with work. Parents should encourage their children to seek work experiences and support them in these endeavors. Communities should rally around their youth, offering opportunities and mentoring to ensure their success.
Real-life work experiences are not just beneficial but essential. By embracing and promoting these opportunities, we can equip our young people with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Let’s bridge the gap between education and employment and pave the way for the next generation of successful, well-rounded adults.
