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:

Experience a career and workplace firsthand
Build connections with professionals, which can support future opportunities
Make more informed decisions about college, trade programs, or entering the workforce
Interact with mentors who can share insights about their career paths and offer honest perspectives on their field

Check out the job shadowing podcast, The Pro-Files, that our very own BASD students created with Lehigh Valley Public Media!

Episode 1: Tech and Innovation Careers with Courtney Cox, Lutron

Episode 2: Architecture Careers with Peter Syzonenko, MKSD Architects

Episode 3: Lab Science Careers with Katie Moore, HNL Lab Medicine

Episode 4: How to Make It in Media with Emmy-Winning Director Javier Diaz

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. The intent of a BASD internship course is to provide activities that will enable the student to make informed career decisions based on significant knowledge and insights developed during participation.

Objectives

To provide practical experience that enhances the classroom education of the student.
To afford opportunities to gain further knowledge of the occupation.
To help students understand and appreciate their academic coursework through direct application in a work setting.
To develop effective employability skills and attitudes.

Details

Open to students who have completed their sophomore year.
Students will not be paid for their internship experience.
Students should establish internship goals with their BASD supervisor and mentor.
Students spend a minimum of 9 weeks in the internship experience for 0.5 credits, and 18 weeks for 1 credit.
Students should note that this is a course, which means failing to attend or complete the assignments will result in a course failure on their transcript.

Check out our District Internship Guide for more information!

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.

Outside of School Hours
- 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.
- 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.

During School Hours
- 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.
- 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.

More Information

Check out our Job Shadowing and Internships Presentation to learn more about how to find a job shadowing experience.