Educators in Indiana are using innovative approaches to work-based learning to help prepare students for the careers of tomorrow. This 30-minute documentary, produced by Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) Midwest and Ball State PBS in Muncie, Indiana, highlights the benefits of work-based learning for students and employers. Through the stories of learners, educators, and leaders, the documentary spotlights three models of work-based learning in Indiana districts—two rural and one urban—as well as practices the districts are using to strengthen their programs and student outcomes.

The documentary features the following work-based learning programs:

• Engineering internship at Perry Central Community Schools, offered in partnership with Thermwood Corporation

• Accounting apprenticeship at Indianapolis Public Schools, offered through EmployIndy's Modern Apprenticeship Program

• Bulldog Manufacturing and Design school-based enterprise with the Collaboration of Shoals, Mitchell, and Orleans Schools (COSMOS)

In addition, the documentary features expert commentary from Anthony Harl, state director of career and technical education at the Indiana Commission for Higher Education; Dr. Todd Hurst, senior vice president of strategic partnerships & impact at the Institute for Workforce Excellence, Indiana Chamber of Commerce; and Dr. Katherine Hughes, a principal researcher at the American Institutes for Research (AIR).

See companion blog post: Preparing students for the careers of tomorrow: New documentary spotlights work-based learning.