This brief is adapted from notes taken by Documenters Monica Breedlove and Kelli Jack-Kelly, who covered the October Board of School Commissioners of the City of Indianapolis meeting. 📝 Read more about what happened.
What happened?
Over 400 Indianapolis Public School students are gaining work experience beyond the classroom.
Shortridge High School’s work-based learning program connects students with over 45 employers, providing real-world skills and transforming how students see their future after graduation.
Maxine Butler, work-based learning coordinator, said the partnerships range from jobs with the Heartland Film Festival to hands-on internships at The Children’s Museum, all designed to help students discover the many careers available to them.
The program is more than just resume-building for students: it’s also about building confidence. Carol Redondo, a senior at Shortridge, said the experience is opening doors she never expected to open.
“Not only have I helped students connect to different resources, I have also been experiencing communication and public speaking opportunities like no other,” she said. Renondo said the program provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Redondo works with the Winston-Terrell Group, a government affairs, public outreach and campaign management firm. Students and graduates work directly with them to develop financial literacy and communication skills.
Sweet Night, a senior at Shortridge, said the program gives students exposure to careers that they might not have discovered on their own. She said, “It’s that bridge to connect and really discover new pathways.”
Although the program is only two years old, Angela Henry, the work-based learning manager, says the program will step it up next year with more opportunities, like career fairs and partnerships with more employers.
What’s next?
- The next Board of School Commissioners of the City of Indianapolis meeting is at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20 at 120 E. Walnut St.
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Sharlene Birdsong is the assignment editor for Indy Documenters. You can reach her at sharlene.birdsong@mirrorindy.org.
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