In the ever-changing world, students practically need a job in the career field they are reaching for before they even turn 18. In Etowah’s Work-Based Learning program, students have the opportunity to gain work experience all while still attending high school.  

“Output equals input. You get out of it what you put into it,” David Dunn, Work-Based Learning facilitator, said.  

Students in the program not only have the chance to earn money and gain experience but also receive college credit. Some student interns for Northside Hospital are receiving college credit for the work they have done through the Work-Based Learning program. 

“I want to do biochemical engineering, so it looks good on my applications and has helped me see how much of what’s in a hospital involves engineering,” Abigail Billings, senior, said.  

With over 90 students, Dunn is in charge of facilitating the work of those in the program through timesheets, journals, and an online portfolio.  

“I went into ASP [After School Program] not having any idea what I wanted to do in the future, but ASP showed me how much I love working with kids, and now I might want to major in elementary education in college,” Paige Tallman, senior, said.  

Students interested in participating in the Work-Based Learning program should contact Mr. Dunn before the 2019-2020 school year.