ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference 2026

Come learn about the strategies used in Henrico County Public Schools to grow effective business partnerships using the "a handshake, not a handout" model.  Take a deep dive into how students enrolled in trades-related programs built a 48,000-square-foot school inside an existing mall. This case study demonstrates ways to build relationships with key business partners while offering over 600 work-based learning experiences to students in commercial construction.  This opportunity allowed for long-lasting relationships to be established between the school division and business partners, as well as between the students and business partners.  Get ready to explore how to grow partnerships into much more than a one-time request.