Increasing work-based learning opportunities for students at Delaware Technical Community College
Date
2020
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
More than three-quarters of Delaware Technical Community College (Delaware Tech) students graduate without a work-based learning (WBL) experience. In the 2017-2018 academic year, only 14% of Delaware Tech students statewide participated in a WBL activity. This figure was the same for the two previous academic years as well. These participation rates are far below the 100% program participation goal detailed in the recommendations within the College’s 2015 Blueprint for the Future. My goals in this Educational Leadership Portfolio were to increase the level of preparation for students who participate in work-based learning immersion activities, increase the overall number of students and departments who participate in the work-based learning program and its associated activities, and increase the number of employers who engage students through work-based learning activities. ☐ My research consisted of a thorough review of related literature, student and employer surveys, interviewing key administrators, conducting faculty and department chair focus groups, and interviewing two national work-based learning experts. The data collected from this research led to the creation of the following four strategies. First, develop a consistent college-wide mechanism to onboard students into a work-based learning system that is associated with their program of study. Second, develop a college-wide work-based learning plan that would include developing policies, procedures, and structured activities in all three areas of the work-based learning continuum. Third, to create a system of engagement, like industry councils and other efforts, to increase collaboration between local companies and the College. Finally, to design a web-based platform and system to onboard and track employers for the purpose of connecting them to students for work-based learning activities. ☐ My research led to several recommendations aimed at increasing the number and participation level of both students and employers in work-based learning activities at Delaware Tech. These recommendations included: assess the viability of Handshake, an electronic work-based learning student management system; appoint a working group to develop a work-based learning plan, including related policies, procedures and processes; use the Information Technology and Networking program as a pilot during the 2020-2021 academic year to inform this work for scale; continue the efforts of building out the remainder of the six industry councils started in 2018, and use this mechanism as the primary means of engaging employers in their sectors; increase employer engagement at the senior leadership level; and continue building the College’s Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system and develop an employer portal that will connect to the CRM and the student management system.
Description
Keywords
College, Community, Internship, Learning, Students, Work-based, Delaware