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 Michael Klomparens is headed to the international stage after capturing a DECA State Championship this past weekend in Detroit.
Competing in the Personal Financial Literacy event, Klomparens outperformed students from across Michigan to earn the top honor. The event required competitors to complete a 100-question exam along with two role-play scenarios that test students on real-world financial decision-making and problem-solving.
“I was super ecstatic, completely shocked,” Klomparens said. “It was a really great moment.”
His performance produced the highest overall average in the event, earning him the state championship plaque and a spot at the DECA International Career Development Conference (ICDC) this April in Atlanta, Georgia.
The international competition will bring together roughly 10,000 of the top DECA students from around the world, representing a program that includes more than 300,000 high school members globally.
Klomparens said the journey to this moment started years ago.
“We started preparing for DECA back when I was a sophomore,” he explained. “Practice role plays, practice tests, and everything Mr. Meiste taught us in class helped prepare us to compete at a professional level.”
When the finalists were called to the stage in Detroit, the excitement quickly turned into disbelief.
“When they brought out the plaques and called my name first, I’m pretty sure my jaw hit the floor,” he said.
Now, his focus shifts to competing against the world’s best.
“My biggest goal is just to get back up on that stage and hear my name called,” Klomparens said. “I’d love to earn a medal and see how I stack up against some of the toughest competitors in the world.”
Klomparens credited Hamilton DECA advisor Mr. Meiste for helping students reach this level of success.
“He’s been absolutely amazing helping each and every one of us,” Klomparens said. “He truly has a passion for education and teaching us these professional skills.”
More Hawkeye DECA Success
Klomparens wasn’t the only Hamilton student to shine at the state conference. Four additional Hawkeyes earned 2nd Place finishes in their events, making them International Runner-Ups:
- Kasey Thomas
- Christian Palmer
- Wyatt Wilson
Sarah Lynne Kelley
These students also demonstrated outstanding preparation, professionalism, and business knowledge while competing against the top DECA members in the state.
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 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!
West Michigan FFA Brings Hands-On Agriculture Education to Hamilton Community Schools January 28, 2026
Learn more about this new partnership with Critter Barn for the 2026-27 school year!
Hamilton High School DECA Students Shine at District II Conference December 17, 2025
27 Hawkeyes Qualify for State Competition!
