Work-Based Learning

Real Experiences. Real Mentors. Real Career Readiness.

Indiana University's campuses offer meaningful work-based learning opportunities that help high school students explore careers, develop professional skills, and apply classroom learning in real-world settings.

As Indiana implements its new high school diploma requirements, work-based learning is becoming an increasingly important component of student college and career readiness. IU faculty, staff, and school partners can work together to create engaging experiences that introduce students to the wide range of careers and pathways available across higher education.

Whether you are an IU employee interested in hosting a student or a P-12 partner exploring opportunities for students, the IU Office of School Partnerships can help coordinate the process. The availability of opportunities will vary by campus based on timing, capacity, and level of experience.

What is Work-Based Learning?

Work-based learning (WBL) connects classroom learning with authentic workplace experiences. Students gain hands-on exposure to careers while developing technical knowledge, professional skills, and workplace competencies under the guidance of experienced mentors.

IU campuses may support a variety of work-based learning experiences, including: 

Hands-on experiences that allow students to apply classroom knowledge while exploring careers and professional environments. 

Short-term projects or experiences that provide students with meaningful workplace exposure and skill development.

Experiences aligned with Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways that allow students to apply technical skills in authentic settings.

Experiences that emphasizes transferable employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem solving, reliability, and professionalism and does not necessarily need to align with the student's intended career field. 

 

In some areas, IU may be able to support longer-term learning opportunities that combine workplace learning with career preparation. 

The availability of opportunities varies by campus, department, timing, and staffing capacity.

Experiences in which an employer provides high school students with an authentic industry problem or challenge. Students work as a team to research, develop, and present solutions, with the employer helping define the challenge and providing feedback throughout the experience.

These may be school- or workplace-based. IU could serve as the industry partner by developing the challenge, providing subject-matter expertise and mentoring, interacting with students, and evaluating their work. Students do not necessarily need to be placed at an IU worksite.

How to Get Started

1. Submit an Inquiry

Tell us about your idea, goals, students, or department.

IU Faculty & Staff

Want to host a high school student(s) to work with you on campus?

K-12 Partner

Explore opportunities for WBL for your high school student(s).

2. Connect and Explore

The Office of School Partnerships will help identify potential partners and determine whether an opportunity is available and a good fit. 

 

3. Develop the Experience

We work with IU units and school partners to design the learning experience and coordinate required approvals.

 

4. Launch the Placement

Once all requirements are completed, students begin their work-based learning experience with ongoing support from IU mentors and school partners.

How the Office of School Partnerships Can Help

The Indiana University Office of School Partnerships serves as a central point of coordination for high school work-based learning opportunities across IU. 

Our office helps faculty, staff, schools, and districts: 

  • Explore partnership opportunities 
  • Connect with the appropriate campus contacts 
  • Navigate university processes and requirements 
  • Coordinate agreements and approvals 
  • Access resources and guidance 
  • Track and support work-based learning partnerships across the university 

Our goal is to make it easier for schools and IU units to create meaningful, safe, and impactful learning experiences for high school students.