What is Work-Based Learning?
Work-based learning connects classroom learning with authentic, real-world experiences to help students prepare for their future careers.
Through work-based learning experiences, students can:
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Experience a career and workplace firsthand
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Build connections with professionals, which can support future opportunities
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Make more informed decisions about college, trade programs, or entering the workforce
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Interact with mentors who can share insights about their career paths and offer honest perspectives on their field
What is an Internship?
The BASD Internship Program is intended to provide upperclassmen with opportunities to participate in on-site or off-site experiences related to their career goal. Through this program, students will interact with, observe, and assist individuals who are employed in an occupation while recieving a course credit.
Internships are sought out and secured by the student. Occasionally, there are district-made internship opportunities posted through Schoology/social media for which students can apply. Students can refer to the internship guide for both tips on how to find an internship as well as the guidelines for completing one.
Once a student secures an internship, they will notify the Career Pathways Liaison as well as their counselor to have the course put in their schedule. A previous, positive job shadowing experience can help students secure an internship.
Objectives:
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To provide practical experience that enhances the classroom education of the student.
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To afford opportunities to gain further knowledge of the occupation.
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To help the students understand and appreciate their academic coursework through direct application in a work setting.
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To develop effective employability skills and attitudes.
Criteria:
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Open to students who have completed their sophomore year.
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Students will not be paid for their internship experience.
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Students must be mentored by a field expert.
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Students should establish internship goals with their BASD supervisor and mentor.
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Students will submit a weekly internship logs and reflections as well as a portfolio and final reflection paper at the conclusion of the course.
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Students spend a minimum of 9 weeks or 60 hours participating in the internship experience.
What is Job Shadowing?
Job shadowing is a powerful way for students to make more informed decisions about their future careers. It allows them to explore different fields, observe real workplace environments, and experience the day-to-day responsibilities of careers they’re considering. Students gain firsthand insight by asking professionals about the education required, typical duties, and advice for entering the field.
One of the greatest benefits of job shadowing is that it helps students discover what they truly enjoy—and what they don’t. Experiencing a career in action can confirm an interest or reveal that a path isn’t the right fit. Gaining this clarity in high school allows students to make more confident decisions about their future, helping them avoid investing time and resources into a major, trade, or job that may not align with their interests.
Job shadowing also opens the door to valuable networking opportunities. By connecting with mentors and professionals, students begin building relationships with individuals who can offer guidance, share industry insight, and potentially support them in the future through job opportunities, internships, or letters of recommendation.
How Does it Work?
Job shadowing is an independent, student-led experience. It is a student's responsibility to seek out opportunities, contact professionals, and coordinate the experience. Taking initiative in this process is part of the learning experience and helps prepare students for real-world expectations.
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Outside of School Hours
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If a job shadowing experience takes place outside of school hours, students can earn up to 15 hours of community service. Students may complete all 15 hours at one location or split their time across multiple experiences to explore different careers.
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To receive credit, students must secure their own job shadow placement, then meet with their counselor to review the opportunity and complete the first portion of the job shadowing form. After completing the experience, students will fill out the reflection portion of the form and submit it to the community service office. Job shadowing forms are available in the guidance office.
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During School Hours
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If an employer is only available to host a student at their place of work during school hours, the experience is not eligible for community service.
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Students are allowed up to two excused absences a semester for job shadowing. Parents/Guardians must fill out the Job Shadow Experience Excused Absence Form before the date of the experience to be approved for the excused absence.
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More Information
Check out our Job Shadowing and Internships Presentation to learn more about how to find a job shadowing experience. Also, check out our BASD Career Pathways Connection Hub, where students can request a job shadowing match at the beginning of each marking period.
The BASD Career Pathways Connection Hub?
The BASD Career Pathways Connection Hub is a space where our schools and local community come together to support students as they explore careers and prepare for life after graduation. Through the Hub, teachers can request guest speakers, students can request job shadowing opportunities, and community members can see current requests and discover ways to share their time, expertise, and experiences with our students. These requests will be posted at the beginning of each marking period.
The Career Pathways Connection Hub offers a mutually beneficial partnership:
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For Students: Students gain valuable insight into the working world, explore career options, network with professionals, and obtain crucial information for making their post-secondary decisions.
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For Community Partners: They have a unique opportunity to connect with students and help shape the future workforce while increasing awareness of your organization across the district. When members of the community share their time and experience, it helps build a culture of opportunity that benefits students and strengthens connections throughout our community. For those who have children in the Bethlehem Area School District, that same culture of support and opportunity may one day open doors for your own child as well.
Although job shadowing is a personal experience that each student coordinates independently, we understand it can be challenging to find professionals in fields of interest. This system is designed to help students connect with potential mentors, but the district’s role ends once that connection is made. Students are responsible for reviewing any volunteer mentors with a parent or guardian, coordinating the experience, arranging transportation, and completing all required paperwork.