Work Based Learning
Work Based Learning gives students an opportunity to bring relevance to learning, explore career possibilities, and make informed decisions about their future career.
As part of the District Plan, all Hamilton students will graduate with career and life skills necessary to be informed consumers, skillful and productive workers, and active citizens.
Work Based Learning will develop and implement business partnerships offering Hamilton Community Schools students opportunities for real-world career explanation and skill building.
After approval from the Board of Education, 2027 Hamilton Community Schools graduates will be based on high school class credit and experiences. From fifth grade through senior year, all students will be exposed to Work Based Learning.
Additional information about Work Based Learning and answers to frequently asked questions.
A list of terms related to Work Based Learning and a description of what they mean.
Naviance is a platform that Hamilton uses for EDP completion, requesting transcripts, getting letters of recommendations, searching for colleges, applying to colleges, creating resumes, and completing reflections as it relates to Work Based Learning Experiences. An EDP is a series of tasks and activities, a portfolio of experiences, assessments, and goals related to a student's interests, abilities, and future plans.
An interactive list of all Work Based Learning opportunities for Hamilton Community Schools students.
Youth Employment Regulations
Learn more about Hamilton Work Based Learning
Work Based Learning Stories
Hamilton High School senior Bryce Ostrom is turning his passion for agriculture into an exciting next step after graduation.
Bryce has earned a full-ride scholarship to Black Hawk College East Campus in Kewanee, Illinois, where he will compete in livestock judging while studying agribusiness.
Livestock judging is a competitive event where students evaluate and rank classes of animals based on their quality and characteristics. Competitors are scored on their accuracy and reasoning, making it both a technical and highly respected discipline within the agriculture industry.
For Bryce, the opportunity is just the beginning.
After his time at Black Hawk, he hopes to continue livestock judging at the next level at programs like Oklahoma State University or Texas Tech University, while continuing his studies in agribusiness and pursuing a career in agriculture.
Bryce credits Hamilton Community Schools for supporting his journey.
“Hamilton is a great environment,” he shared. “As an ag student, they understand it and have been really easy to work with.”
Work Based Learning Contacts
Ashley Meyer
Work Based Learning/Experiential Learning Coordinator
ameyer@hamiltonschools.us
Mrs. Meyer can answer questions about business and community partnerships, district Work Based Learning opportunities and WBL curriculum.
Madeline Gentile
Business Department Teacher & Work Based Learning Advisor
mgentile@hamiltonschools.us
Mrs. Gentile can answer questions about Co-op, high school Work Based Learning opportunities, and Work Based Learning graduation requirements.
Mat Rehkopf
Director of Career, College & Innovative Programs
mlrehkop@hamiltonschools.us
Mr. Rehkopf can answer questions about curriculum.
Hamilton Senior Bryce Ostrom Earns Full-Ride Opportunity in Agriculture April 6, 2026
Watch Bryce's Spotlight Video Here!
Growing Futures: Hamilton 8th Graders Explore Agriculture at AgScience Day March 26, 2026
From farm to future—Hamilton 8th graders explore hands-on learning and real-world careers in agriculture
Hamilton Senior Michael Klomparens Wins DECA State Championship, Qualifies for International Competition March 9, 2026
Michael will represent Hamilton in Atlanta in late April on the international stage.
Hamilton High School Students Step Into the Workforce During Job Shadow Day January 31, 2026
Take a look at this mandatory experience for 9th and 10th grade students to learn about their interests!
