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.
Work Based Learning Stories
Hamilton Community Schools recently hosted AgScience Day — a hands-on, educational event introducing 8th grade students to the wide world of agriculture and animal science. The experience, filled with excitement and exploration, gave students a deeper look into the many careers and skills connected to agriculture, a major industry in the Hamilton area.
“We're doing an agriculture day, so we get to learn about animals and farms and all that stuff,” said 8th grade student Joelle. “It’s amazing!”
Throughout the day, students rotated through various stations where they could interact with animals, try their hand at veterinary skills, learn how animal feeds are made, and explore careers in farming, transportation, and more. One student mentioned having experience working with horses on a farm, but still found the behind-the-scenes demonstrations eye-opening and valuable.
“I was really excited for today,” said 8th grade student Addalyn. “I’ve done work around this, but it’s great to see different perspectives. Everyone does things a little differently, and it’s nice to see what they think and how they do it.”
Community members, local farmers, and agricultural professionals partnered with the school to help students connect what they learn in the classroom with real-life applications and future opportunities.
“It’s amazing what Hamilton is doing with exposing kids to trades,” said Brandon of Brink Farms. “Not all students are going to college, and that’s okay — we’re helping them see what else is out there. Agriculture is huge in this area.”
AgScience Day wasn’t just about information — it was about inspiration. Whether it was learning how cows are now milked robotically, exploring the use of smart collars, or simply interacting with animals up close, students were immersed in meaningful, hands-on learning that expanded their view of what’s possible.
“We live in an agricultural community,” added Jeff of Hoeve Farms. “And as generations move further from the farm, it’s important we bridge that gap. This day helps students understand what’s happening around them and consider careers that are vital to our community.”
From farming to veterinary work, transportation to food production, AgScience Day showcased the many ways students can get involved in the industries that fuel West Michigan and beyond.
“This is amazing,” a student said with a smile. “It’s a change of pace, we’re out of the classroom, learning hands-on — it’s awesome!”
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.
AgScience Day Introduces 8th Graders to Agriculture and Animal Science Careers March 31, 2025
Local businesses and individuals come together to provide a great experience for our students
Sparking his future! Dylan Loew welding his way to success at the Careerline Tech Center March 19, 2025
"It's really cool to be able to do this type of trade at a young age."
Hamilton High School’s ‘Teacher Treat Cart’ Brings Sweet Surprises and Life Skills March 2, 2025
Ms. Westra's class provides smiles for teachers while preparing for their future
Hamilton High School 9th graders learn Financial Literacy skills through JA of Michigan Great Lakes February 27, 2025
Financial Simulation helps students learn about mortgages, taxes, bills, and much more!
