Work-Based Learning

The college and career fair offers students invaluable exposure to a wide range of educational and professional opportunities.  It allows secondary students to explore various colleges, universities, and career paths in one setting, interact directly with representatives, and ask questions tailored to their interests. Students gain insight into admission requirements, available programs, and potential career options, helping them make informed decisions about their future. Additionally, these events can inspire new interests, clarify goals, and provide networking opportunities that may open doors for job shadowing, internships, cooperative work experiences, scholarships, or mentorship. Kennett High School hosts an annual college and career fair for students. 

During these opportunities, business partners offer an overview of the industry, including job types, required skills, necessary education, and earning potential. These sessions can be scheduled at any point in the pathway progression and conducted either virtually or in person. Classroom presentations are typically no longer than 30 minutes.  These opportunities can also be in the form of modules and other partner provided materials to help expose students to potential careers. Classroom presentations are coordinated through program of study teachers. 

These opportunities provide interested students with the chance to visit companies and organizations. These structured field trips give students an inside look at the facilities and the work being done. Site visits typically follow classroom presentations and last between 60 and 90 minutes.  Students can sign up for these visits, which are scheduled based on student interest and the availability of business partners. Ideally, a site visit would include 10-15 students but can be adjusted based on business partner capacity.  A KCSD administrator will be present during these events. Site visits are coordinated through a program of study teachers. 

Individual students or small groups (2-3) can sign up for job shadowing opportunities. These supervised experiences typically last at least half a day and allow students to engage with specific employees within the organization. During these sessions, students gain firsthand knowledge of the expectations, skills, and tasks required for the role. Job shadows are designed for students who have shown an interest in a particular career field or want to learn more about a specific profession. A KCSD administrator will be present during these events.  Job shadow opportunities are generated through your program of study teacher.  

nternships can begin during a student's junior year, following the successful completion of a job shadowing opportunity with the business partner. Internships are for students who have a significant interest in the field of study and desire to learn more about the career opportunities.  These for-credit internships require a minimum of 60 hours.  Eligible students may also participate in paid cooperative work opportunities.  In the co-op experience, students are part-time employees of the organization.  These students have demonstrated the skills and work ethic necessary to secure a paid position with the business or community partner.  Students wishing to participate in an internship or cooperative work experience must apply via the Junior or Senior Options process. 

Student-run enterprises are businesses operated by students.  They provide hands-on learning opportunities and allow students to take on leadership roles and responsibilities.  Student enterprises promote teamwork, creativity, and problem-solving skills.  Students interested in an  enterprise opportunity must apply via the Senior Options process. Only program of study completers will be considered for a student-run enterprise.  A program of study completer is defined as a senior, on track to graduate, who has completed at least three courses in a specific program of study.