Work-Based Learning

Student Future Success: Bridging Classrooms and Careers

The Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce is committed to preparing the next generation of talent while supporting local employers in building their future workforce. We believe in strengthening the pipeline between education and industry and that starts with connection, collaboration, and hands-on experience.

Our Mission

To lead the way in aligning education with workforce needs ensuring students are career-ready and employers are future-ready.

What We're Doing

Connecting Schools and Employers
To strengthen Wayne County’s talent pipeline, the Chamber partnered with all six local school districts to create the Director of Employer Engagement role, a first-of-its-kind position connecting businesses and schools to align student internship opportunities with real workforce needs.

Supporting Student Career Exploration
We’re helping students build soft skills and explore career paths through hands-on experiences like job shadowing, workplace tours, our countywide career fair for all high school sophomores, and a hiring fair that connects students directly with local employers.

SFS Portal
With the support of our Director of Employer Engagement, Shawntel, we have launched a portal to connect students and businesses more efficiently. Employers will be able to post openings, and students can easily apply—right from our site.

Why It Matters

Work-based learning builds stronger communities, supports local talent retention, and empowers students to imagine futures right here in Wayne County. It helps businesses thrive by investing in the future workforce—starting today.

Get Involved

If you're a business looking to connect with students or an educator seeking career exploration opportunities for your students--Contact Shawntel Baker today to get started.
Work-Based Learning
EMPLOYER RESOURCES
Employer Interest Form

Fill out the Employer Interest Form to begin the process of hosting a high school intern.

Employer Internship Training Video Employer Guide to Set Up & Login - SFS Portal Employer Internship Training Guide and Plans Diploma Seals Financial Support: Lisa Price, Eastern Indiana Works

Eastern Indiana Works may be able to help support wages for high school interns. Connect with Lisa to learn more.

Why Now?

Graduates in the Class of 2029 will be required to complete a set number of work-based learning hours to earn designated diploma seals. Wayne County isn’t waiting—we’re taking proactive steps now to prepare our students for success.

Learn about the seals that require work-based learning hours:
Enrollment Honors PLUS Seal
Students must complete at least 75 hours of work-based learning.
Employment Honors Seal
Students must complete 150 hours of work-based learning.
Employment Honors PLUS Seal
Students must complete a total of 650 hours of work-based learning
Employer Partners
* You do NOT have to be a Chamber member to offer students opportunities

Diamond Partners  

PLATINUM PARTNERS
Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.  All Rights Reserved.
 33 South 7th Street, Suite 2 | Richmond, Indiana 47374​
Phone:(765) 962-1511 | [email protected] | sitemap