• Community Campus and Work-Based Learning

    YAP StudentWhat is Work-Based Learning? 

    Instructors develop real-world, project-based learning strategies through collaborations with business and community partners.  

    Why is Work-Based Learning Important? 

    The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth defines work-based learning as a “supervised program sponsored by an education or training organization that links knowledge gained at the worksite with a planned program of study. Experiences range in intensity, structure, and scope and include activities as diverse as site visits, structured on-the-job training, and the more formal work status as paid Work-Based Learning.” Work-Based learning experiences have been shown to be one of the strongest predictors of adult employment success for students and youth with disabilities. 

    Self-Discovery and Exploration: 
    Students realize their strengths and passions by exploring and experiencing different Work-Based Learning opportunities with Kalamazoo Industry Partners. This allows them to make informed decisions about their future goals. 

    Professional Skills Development: 
    Unique experiences allow students to cultivate transformative professional skills such as understanding expectations, time management and other essential business values. These skills are critical to providing students a pathway to paid employment. 

     

    Community CampusYAP Community Campus Locations

    KRESA Commons
    5177 West Main St.
    Kalamazoo, MI 49009

    South Street
    422 E. South St.
    Kalamazoo, MI 49007

     

    Past Work-Based Learning Partners

    • Kalamazoo Valley Community College (KVCC)
    • Kalamazoo College
    • Heritage Community Center
    • Gernaat Greenhouse
    • TSI Consulting Partners
    • Marshall’s
    • Harding’s
    • Aacorn Farm
    • Holiday Inn Express
    • At Home
    • The Dome Sports Center
    • Kalamazoo RESA Service Center
    • Chick-Fil-A
    • Kalamazoo RESA Head Start
    • Latitude 42