1. Work-Based Learning Program
Dr. Mark Miear
Superintendent
Montgomery County Public Schools

2. Why Work-Based Learning?
Expose students to expectations of employment
Help students through the process of applying for a job and act as a mentor
Teach workplace readiness skills that are difficult to teach within a classroom

3. The MCPS Program
Students are enrolled in a local elective course and are given early release or late arrival to provide flexibility and incentivize students working
MCPS uses these VDOE programs in the Work-Based Learning Program
Job Shadowing
Mentorship
Internship
Service Learning
Clinical Experience
Registered Apprentice
We try to use all of the VDOE approved Work-Based Learning Methods and also use a local elective approach

4. Challenges Starting the Program
Defining the program across four high schools
Asking for help from local businesses with presentations from the CTE Director
Overcoming objections to hiring people under 18 years old
Creating Work-Based Learning Coordinators & Defining their roles
We had to educate teachers about expectations. We do not do observations at students’ workplaces.
MCPS gives teachers a stipend that is tied to the number of students in the WBL program at their high school.
Insurance covers students in Work-based learning

5. Strengths of our Program
Variety of opportunities for students
Long-term employment
Short-term job shadowing
Internships within MCPS
Class field trips to visit businesses
Flexibility for students and employers
Currently 511 students in the work-based learning program

6. Examples of Work-Based Learning Construction companies Law firms
MCPS Operations Interns:
IT, Custodians, School Bus Garage, etc.
Nurse Aides working with CNA license
Research Interns at Virginia Tech
Teachers for Tomorrow in MCPS Elementary Schools
Virginia Tech Athletic Department Interns
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Interns

7. The Next Steps
Emphasize structured programs that lead to long-term careers
Links to local community college
Registered Apprenticeship programs
Provide opportunities to every single student
Expand short-term job shadowing
Summer employment
Virtual Job Shadow
Work-based learning instead of early graduation
Registered Apprentice = structured program with Virginia Dept of Labor where students get paid by a business and the business has a requirement to educate the student. Program is primarily run by Va Dept of Labor with help from public schools
Send students to NRCC during senior year & have jobs in those fields
Reach students with disabilities (virtual job shadow) and encourage students who do not want to work or do not see the value (AP track students)