Work-based learning has emerged as a crucial component in preparing students for the rapidly evolving workforce. This innovative approach bridges the gap between classroom education and real-world application, equipping students with the skills and experiences necessary for success in their future careers.
Read on to learn more about the PAST Foundation’s work-based learning initiatives, and perspectives from our ongoing key partners, Deloitte and ASPYR.
Empowering the Next Generation: PAST Foundation’s “Power Up Your Potential” Program
Work-based learning (WBL) is a powerful educational approach that integrates classroom instruction with real-world experiences, preparing students for future careers by immersing them in authentic workplace settings. The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) emphasizes the importance of WBL as a key component of career-technical education and an essential strategy for meeting workforce demands. WBL programs—such as internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and industry-based projects—bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping students with practical skills, professional networks, and industry-recognized credentials that enhance their employability and readiness for the workforce.
The PAST Foundation’s “Power Up Your Potential” program exemplifies a robust, hands-on approach to WBL that aligns with the priorities of the ODE and Ohio’s broader workforce development goals. By offering immersive learning experiences, industry certifications, and personalized mentorship, PAST Foundation equips students with both technical and soft skills, ensuring they are prepared to succeed in the rapidly evolving job market.
Video created by PAST 2024 Workforce Development Media Cohort
Industry Insights: Deloitte's Perspective
Deloitte, a long-term partner of the PAST Foundation, has been a key driver in supporting the “Power Up Your Potential” program. According to Deloitte’s 2024 Gen Z and Millennial Survey, work remains central to the identity of these generations. Nearly 90% of Millennials report that a sense of purpose is vital to job satisfaction, indicating that today’s workforce seeks meaningful and impactful work where they can influence outcomes and contribute to societal change. This sentiment aligns with Deloitte’s focus on preparing the future workforce through innovative, technology-centered training. The survey also highlights:
A strong focus on maintaining work-life balance, especially as organizations return to in-person work.
Initial apprehension about AI's impact on jobs, but increased comfort and recognition of its positive effects with more exposure.
Deloitte emphasizes: "Findings like these mean that employers, in addition to traditional training, must lean into the technologies of the future such as AI to both improve productivity while familiarizing and upskilling the workforce to take advantage of these new developments. Giving workers – or in the PAST Foundation’s case, our future workforce – the time, space and training to collaborate with and learn about these new technologies will position them to succeed in a constantly varied and changing workplace.”
Deloitte's collaboration with the PAST Foundation exemplifies this approach. Over the last three years, Deloitte has collaborated with PAST Foundation, providing instruction, support, and mentorship to approximately 150 students through the "Power Up Your Potential Workforce Development Program." In summer 2024, Deloitte led a six-week curriculum focused on AI, during which students applied their knowledge in small groups to develop AI applications that could enhance public services in fields such as healthcare, education, law enforcement, and transportation. The students demonstrated an impressive level of creativity and adaptability, showcasing their comfort with technology in a short time frame.
Deloitte’s involvement extends beyond technology. The organization emphasizes equipping students with essential soft skills—collaboration, teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication—that are crucial for career advancement, especially as more organizations transition back to in-person operations. “Deloitte’s participation in ‘Power Up Your Potential’ helps us prepare our students for success,” PAST Foundation staff noted. “Their hands-on workshops and mentorship sessions ensure that students not only gain technical expertise but also develop the interpersonal skills necessary for thriving in the workforce.”
ASPYR: Creating Pathways for Marginalized Students in STEM
Lawrence Jackson, Director of Emerging Talent at ASPYR, states: "ASPYR envisions a future where Central Ohio's workforce ecosystem thrives, providing career opportunities and driving regional economic growth. We are committed to innovation and collaboration, so when the opportunity presented itself to provide resources to support PAST Foundation's Summer STEM Program, the decision was a no brainer."
ASPYR, the designated intermediary for Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) funding in Franklin County, is committed to ensuring equitable access to work-based learning opportunities. “However, marginalized communities are less likely to be engaged in these initiatives, especially in STEM fields, due to a lack of exposure to existing programs,” Jackson explained.
Jackson emphasizes:
Early exposure to STEM increases the likelihood of developing lasting interest in these fields.
STEM research fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, which are transferable across various career paths.
The importance of cultivating a sense of purpose in youth, encouraging them to apply their knowledge and skills to make a difference.
ASPYR's support for PAST Foundation’s programs ensures that students from underrepresented backgrounds receive exposure to STEM careers, develop critical skills, and gain industry-recognized credentials. “STEM research fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills—transferable skills that are applicable regardless of where life navigates our emerging talent,” Jackson added. “Young minds are fresh, creative, and capable of groundbreaking discoveries. It’s important to cultivate our youth in a way that they own a sense of purpose and identify ways to use their knowledge and skills to make a difference. Their success can encourage more young people to pursue STEM, creating a diverse and talented workforce.”
Power Up Your Potential: A Model for Work-based Learning
The PAST Foundation's Power Up Your Potential program exemplifies excellence in work-based learning for youth ages 15-18. Key features include:
An 8-week immersive experience offering hands-on training and meaningful projects.
Participants earn 3-5 industry-recognized credentials, including CAD and Additive Manufacturing, Drone Flight (FAA Part 107 license), Adobe, CPR & AED, Lean Six Sigma, and Leadership Excellence among others.
Endorsements from the Ohio Department of Education, contributing to graduation requirements and the Ohio Means Jobs Readiness Seal.
Personalized mentoring and leadership opportunities, including adult advisors and peer advisory groups.
Over 150 hours of paid work experience and off-site industry experiences.
This comprehensive approach not only equips students with technical skills but also fosters personal growth and leadership abilities, preparing them to drive positive change in their communities.
By embracing work-based learning initiatives, we can better prepare students for the evolving demands of the workforce, fostering innovation, inclusivity, and success in STEM fields and beyond.
Student Success Stories: Empowering the Workforce of Tomorrow
The transformative power of work-based learning is evident in the success stories emerging from the "Power Up Your Potential" program. Suhayma, for example, earned her Part 107 Drone credential and secured an internship in the aviation department at Bath and Body Works. Through this experience, she gained hands-on knowledge in aviation operations, from sitting in the cockpit during real-time flights, to aircraft maintenance, reinforcing her passion for a career in aviation.
Another success story is Julius, who participated in the program three summers ago and has since become a peer mentor. His experience in media production and film editing led to internships with GP Creative and the PAST Foundation, where he launched a PAST store showcasing handmade merchandise using Makerspace equipment. Julius now facilitates after-school WBL programming in media production and entrepreneurship during his freshman year of college, demonstrating the long-term impact of WBL in fostering leadership and professional growth.
Building Skills for the Future: Program Overview & Impact
The summer 2024 “Power Up Your Potential” program engaged 70 interns from 14 Central Ohio schools, resulting in over 250 credentials earned in areas including:
Leadership Excellence
CAD & Additive Manufacturing (Onshape & Solidworks)
Drone Flight (FAA Part 107 license)
Lean Six Sigma (White, Yellow, and Green Belt)
Entrepreneurship (Certiport’s Entrepreneurship & Small Business)
Video Production (Adobe Certified Professional)
IT (CompTIA Fundamentals and A+)
CPR/AED and Bloodborne Pathogens
Lean Six Sigma
These credentials align with ODE’s emphasis on equipping students with industry-recognized credentials to enhance their employability and career readiness. Interns completed over 180 hours of paid work experience, engaging in projects and real-world applications that gave them a competitive edge.
Ongoing Engagement: Fostering a Workforce Ecosystem
The PAST Foundation continues to engage with former interns, offering mentorship roles and collaborating with industry partners to sustain its community-driven workforce ecosystem. This model, supported by partners like Deloitte and ASPYR, ensures that students receive the technical skills, mentorship, and professional networks needed to thrive in future careers.
Join the Movement: Bringing Work-Based Learning to Your School
Through its Work-based Learning Fellowship, the PAST Foundation supports schools in developing tailored workforce development programs that integrate industry partnerships, student-centered experiences, and skills verification, aligning with ODE’s priorities for career-technical education. If you are interested in learning more, contact nstancampiano@pastfoundation.org.
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