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
The Hamilton High School DECA Business Chapter recently competed at the DECA District II Conference held at Grand Valley State University. Hamilton was one of 19 schools competing across a variety of business and career pathway events. Students had the opportunity to earn a test medal in their respective event, a role-play medal based on their performance and presentation to a judge, and a DECA State Qualifier medal.
Students who earned a DECA State Qualifier medal secured the opportunity to represent District II at the Michigan DECA State Conference in Detroit, where they will compete for the chance to represent Michigan DECA at the International Career Development Conference later this year.
Hamilton High School currently has 46 members in its DECA Chapter, which operates through the Business Development (Career and Technical Education) course offered at the high school. Of those members, 27 students qualified for the Michigan State Conference, and 30 students earned at least one medal at the district competition.
Student Award Recipients:
Christian Palmer – Accounting Applications Series: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Jackson Klinger – Business Finance Series: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Erin Meiste – Business Finance Series: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Brandy Peck – Business Finance Series: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Sarah Lynne Kelley – Business Services Marketing Series: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Brayden Haynes – Business and Merchandising Team: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Seth Hoppes – Business and Merchandising Team: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Kasey Thomas – Entrepreneurship Series: Test Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Maryn VanBronkhorst – Entrepreneurship Series: State Qualifier Medal
Bryce Ostrom – Entrepreneurship Team: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Aiden Unema – Entrepreneurship Team: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Weston Geerlings – Food Marketing Series: Test Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Colin Byrne – Financial Services Team: Role-Play Medal
Brett Schrotenboer – Financial Services Team: Role-Play Medal
Kaiya Hertz – Hotel and Lodging Management Series: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Adele Iofrida – Hotel and Lodging Management Series: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Evelyn Boeve – Human Resources Management Series: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Mason Prys – Human Resources Management Series: State Qualifier Medal
Andrew Langeland – Marketing Management Team: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Andrew Plockmeyer – Marketing Management Team: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Weston Meiste – Marketing Management Team: Test Medal
Korrayah Kapenga – Principles of Business Management and Administration: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Landon Sellers – Principles of Business Management and Administration: Test Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Michael Klomparens – Personal Finance Literacy: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Wyatt Wilson – Personal Finance Literacy: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Colin Johr – Principles of Hospitality and Tourism: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Ella Jones – Quick Service Restaurant Management Series: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Yelena Orozco – Quick Service Restaurant Management Series: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Brendan Hansen – Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series: Test Medal, Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
Blake Schipper – Sports and Entertainment Marketing Series: Role-Play Medal, State Qualifier Medal
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 High School DECA Students Shine at District II Conference December 17, 2025
27 Hawkeyes Qualify for State Competition!
Hamilton 5th Graders Explore Real-World Skills at Annual DIG IN! Day December 7, 2025
Hands-on learning gives Hamilton 5th graders an early look at careers in skilled trades
Hamilton High School Ignite Program helps at Habitat For Humanity November 24, 2025
Students learn the skilled trades while helping to build homes for families in need in West Michigan
Hamilton HVAC Co-Op Students Assist Oakland CRC with Real-World Heating & Cooling Project November 19, 2025
Hands-on learning shines as HHS Co-Op students diagnose and present solutions for a church facility challenge
