Shaping
the Future Workforce
The Larry Summers Career and Technical Center’s Work-Based Learning program Emma O’Bryant A Work-Based Learning (WBL) program in Yazoo City, Mississippi is creating meaningful opportunities for students at Larry Summers Career and Technical Center. The WBL program is headed by Coordinator Valerie Smith. She describes WBL programs as a “chance to make a meaningful impact on students’ career readiness,” and she has done just that by facilitating oppor24
tunities for her students to prepare for the next step. Smith has coordinated a wide range of internships and apprenticeships for her students. These experiences cover several fields including “healthcare, technology, law and public safety, automotive, education, construction, manufacturing and calibration.” One advantage to WBL is the handson learning environment cultivated. Smith said, “By coordinating internships, apprenticeships and job-shad-
owing opportunities, I can create pathways that make learning more practical and impactful.” Therefore, students can obtain more information through this structure of learning. WBL creates a setting where lessons are easier to digest for students because they have a first-hand look on the job. Smith said, “Students involved in the program seem more motivated and engaged as they see how their learning directly connects