Work-based Learning (WBL) Grant (Illinois)

Work-based Learning (WBL) Grant (Illinois) is sponsored by Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE). The WBL Grant funds the development or expansion of work-based learning programs specifically targeting rural areas in Illinois.

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Subtopic_x0020_Level_x0020_1}} {{item. ResourceLink. Description}} ​Work-based learning (WBL) provides students with the opportunity to engage and interact with industry experts (employers, postsecondary institutions), while learning to demonstrate essential employability and technical skills necessary for today’s workforce.

WBL is defined in Perkins V legislation as “sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in real workplace settings, to the extent practicable, or simulated environments at an educational institution that foster in-depth, firsthand engagement with the tasks required in a given career field, that are aligned to curriculum and instruction.

”​​ Work-Based Learning Manual​ provides guidance for creating and improving work-based learning opportunities for K-12 students. Activities are designed to introduce Career Exploration as soon as possible, build increasingly interactive experiences, and maximize student exposure to careers and work-based learning opportunities by the time they complete secondary education.

​​​​ The Work-Based Learning Continuum illustrates the stages of career development beginning with supporting activities and ending with workplace experiences. Career Awareness, Career Exploration, Team-Based Challenges, Career Development Experience, Youth/Pre-Apprenticeship, and Apprenticeship are grouped under four educational levels: Awareness (K–12), Exploration (5–12), Preparation (9–12), and Training (9–12).

Work-Based Learning Educator Resources The following are resources developed for instructors who are leading Work-Based Learning programs in their schools.

Work-Based Learning Overview What is Work-Based Learning How is WBL different from Cooperative Education Work-Based Learning Language The Work-Based Learning Continuum Quality Work-Based Learning Programs Essential Employability Skills and Technical Competencies Building Strategic Partnerships with Business and Community Partners Introduction to Building Partnerships Developing Program Partners​ Developing a Work-Based Learning Program Applicable Rules and Organizations Meeting Student Interest and Needs​ Instruction Planning and Focus on the Essential Skills Planning Classroom Assignments and Projects Implementing and Managing a Career Development Experience Spanning the Work-Based Learning Continuum Sequencing Work-Based Learning Activities Career Awareness and Career Exploration Workplace Experience and Workplace Experience Courses Monitoring Workplace Experiences and Additional Resources​ Maintaining and Leveraging Business and Community Partnerships The Importance of Community Partnerships​ Roles with Advisory Boards and Community Partners Communication Plan for Advisory Boards Focusing on the Skills at Work Engaging Employers with the Essential Skills and Technical Competencies Focusing Work and Responding to Partner Concerns​ Growing and Maintaining Partnerships Student Assessment and Work-Based Learning Developing a Training Plan​ Student Assessment and Portfolio Administrative and Legal Considerations Around Work-Based Learning​ Introduction to Legal Considerations Workplace and WBL Legal Coordination and Cooperation State Board of Education Guidelines and Practices Child Labor Law presentation​ Financial Considerations around Work-Based Learning​ ​ Considerations with Federal Perkins Grant Funding Financial Considerations with Staff, Transportation, Supplies, and More​ Work-Based Learning in Illinois Webinar (5/9/2023) Work-Based Learning in Illinois Webinar Recording​ Work-Based Learning in Illinois Webinar FAQ Work-Based Learning in Illinois Webinar Slideshow ISBE has created resources to support educators and school districts in offering work-based learning for their students that is connected to their programs of study.

Career and Technical Student Organizations Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO) enhance student learning through contextual instruction, leadership and personal development, applied learning, and real world application. ​ Career Development Experience Toolkit This toolkit focuses on the “Career Development Experience” as articulated in the PWR Act.

The Career Development Experience can refer to a broad array of experiential learning. ​ Spanning the Continuum: Incorporating Work-Based Learning into CTE Programs ​ This video presentation will explore options on how to incorporate the full continuum of work-based learning into your CTE programs as you learn about the new Workplace Experience courses that ISBE has introduced.

Work-based Learning Database​ Work-Based Learning Videos ​ These videos will allow students to learn different occupations within the various career pathway endorsement areas, gain knowledge about workplace skills, and receive advice from these professionals. * * * This page has been archived. The content on this page may no longer be in effect.

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