Business – K-12 Work-Based Learning
Work-based learning (WBL) gives high school students a chance to gain real-world job experience in their chosen career path while earning high school credit. WBL Coordinators are high school teachers who help their students navigate their work-based learning. Students use the Xello platform to explore career pathways and connect with WBL opportunities offered by local businesses.
About Stefanie Merrell, Our K-12 Work-Based Learning Business Liaison
Stefanie’s position is unique in its approach to work-based learning (WBL) for high school students. As part of a Larimer County Workforce Innovation Grant from the Fort Collins Area Chamber of Commerce, she partners with Colorado Early College Fort Collins, Poudre, Thompson, and Estes Park School Districts to connect students with businesses offering local WBL opportunities.
As a critical liaison between businesses and students, Stefanie bridges the gap between education and the professional world. She identifies businesses that could benefit from students’ work-ready skills and educates them about the many benefits of WBL. If a company is interested in participating, Stefanie helps them onboard to the Xello platform. This allows them to post paid part-time jobs, internships, and apprenticeships exclusively for local high school students.
Stefanie also works directly with high school WBL coordinators, guiding them on how to identify student interests and matching them with appropriate internships. With Stefanie’s support, high school students have the opportunity to explore meaningful work-related experiences related to their chosen career path while building their work readiness skills.
How to Get Involved
For more information on Xello or how your business can connect to our local K-12 students for work-based learning opportunities, contact Stefanie Merrell at [email protected] or (970) 443-0969.