Atchison High School's Work-Based Learning (WBL) Program, also known as On-the-Job Training (OJT), provides eligible juniors and seniors with opportunities to gain meaningful workplace experience while earning high school elective credit. Through approved paid or unpaid work experiences, students apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings, explore career interests, and develop essential employability skills that prepare them for success beyond graduation.

The program connects students' Individual Plans of Study (IPS) and postsecondary goals with authentic workplace experiences. By partnering with local businesses and organizations, AHS helps students build professional relationships, explore career pathways, and gain firsthand knowledge of workplace expectations and responsibilities.

Through Work-Based Learning, students have opportunities to:

• Explore Career Pathways: Gain firsthand experience in career fields and industries that align with their interests and future goals.

• Develop Employability Skills: Strengthen communication, teamwork, problem-solving, time management, professionalism, and workplace responsibility.

• Apply Classroom Learning: Connect academic knowledge and technical skills to authentic workplace experiences.

• Build Professional Connections: Develop relationships with local employers, supervisors, and community professionals.

• Earn High School Credit: Earn up to 2 elective credits per school year through approved workplace experiences while continuing to meet graduation requirements.

• Prepare for Postsecondary Success: Build confidence, independence, and career readiness skills that support future employment, technical training, military service, or college opportunities.

The Work-Based Learning Program is available to Atchison High School juniors and seniors who are on track to graduate and are not credit deficient.

This opportunity is designed for students who are successfully progressing toward graduation requirements and are prepared to demonstrate responsibility, independence, and professionalism in a workplace setting.

To participate, students must:

• Be enrolled as a junior or senior at Atchison High School.

• Be on track to graduate, with no credit deficiencies.

• Maintain satisfactory academic standing and progress toward graduation requirements.

• Secure an approved work placement prior to enrollment.

• Have reliable transportation to and from their worksite.

• Complete all required applications, training agreements, and program documentation.

• Meet established work-hour requirements and demonstrate consistent attendance, professionalism, and responsibility.

Throughout the experience, students work collaboratively with their employer and the AHS Work-Based Learning Coordinator to document work hours, monitor progress, receive supervisor feedback, and reflect on their professional growth.

Students may earn up to 2 elective credits per school year, based on their approved schedule, documented work hours, and successful completion of program requirements.

Work-Based Learning is intended to enhance students' educational experiences and career readiness. It is not a substitute for required academic coursework or a credit recovery option.

Local businesses and organizations play an essential role in preparing the next generation of professionals. Through Work-Based Learning partnerships, employers provide students with authentic workplace experiences, mentorship, and opportunities to develop valuable career-ready skills.

These partnerships create meaningful connections between Atchison High School and our local workforce while helping students explore career interests, understand industry expectations, and make informed decisions about their futures.

Participating employers support student learning by providing workplace supervision, feedback on student performance, and opportunities to develop professional skills in real-world settings.

Students and Families: Students interested in Work-Based Learning should contact their AHS school counselor or the Work-Based Learning Coordinator to discuss eligibility, graduation progress, work placement requirements, and enrollment procedures.

Community Businesses and Employers: Local employers interested in supporting AHS students through Work-Based Learning opportunities are encouraged to contact Chad Bilderback, Work-Based Learning Coordinator, to learn more about becoming a community worksite partner.

Together, we are connecting classroom learning, career exploration, and community partnerships to prepare students for success beyond high school.

Atchison High School | Every Student, Every Day.

Access the Work-Based Learning Student Application and Guidebook here