ACTE's National Work-Based Learning Conference 2026

In rural areas with limited industry partners, how can educators provide meaningful work-based learning (WBL) experiences? This session shares innovative strategies used to develop school-based enterprises and form creative local partnerships close to campus. CTE teachers, administrators, and business partners will benefit from exploring how to reimagine WBL for students where traditional opportunities are scarce. Participants will engage in an interactive session that includes evaluating their own communities to identify potential partnerships and on-campus enterprise options. Attendees will leave with practical tools—including a slide deck, planning templates, and a community evaluation worksheet—to begin building or enhancing WBL opportunities in their own schools and programs.