On February 3 Wildcat Creek Career Cooperative (WCCC) hosted its annual Work-Based Learning (WBL) Recognition & Reception at the Frankfort Community Public Library. This event celebrates students, educators, and community partners who make hands-on career learning possible for Clinton County students through valuable Work-Based Learning opportunities.
The event brought together employers, educators, families, and community leaders to recognize the impact of Work-Based Learning during the 2025–26 school year. This year, 63 students are participating in WBL experiences, representing a 68% increase from the previous year, supported by 45 business and community partners, including 35 new partners.
“Work-Based Learning continues to grow because our partners see the value in investing in students early,” said Josie Miller, WBL Coordinator at WCCC. “These experiences allow students to explore careers, build employability skills, and make informed decisions about their futures—while giving employers the opportunity to mentor and shape their future workforce.”
Throughout the event, attendees heard powerful success stories from students and employers representing industries such as healthcare, skilled trades, agriculture, education, retail, transportation, and social and community services. These stories highlighted the mutual benefits of WBL, including hands-on training for students and the development of a strong, local talent pipeline for employers.
Jill Kingery of Truland Equipment, who hosted three students from three different Clinton County schools, shared the importance of participating in the program:
“Hosting students is something we really value because it gives young people a chance to see what the workplace is like—and it gives us the chance to help guide the next generation.”
In addition to hearing the impact WBL is having on the students and partners, WCCC recognized two Partners of the Year: Truland Equipment and the Frankfort Community Public Library. This award honors partners who have gone above and beyond to provide meaningful, high-quality work-based learning experiences that positively impact students and their future career paths.
The event concluded with a Work-Based Learning Forum, where educators and business partners discussed future goals, including expanding internship opportunities, improving the quality of WBL experiences, and growing the LEARN Academy model across additional career pathways.
Community Invited to WCCC Open House on February 26
WCCC invites the community to continue celebrating career and technical education at its Open House on Wednesday, February 26, from 3:30–5:30 p.m.
The Open House will feature:
The grand opening of the LEARN Academy Industrial Maintenance Lab at 4:30 pm, created in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College and funded through an IN-MaC grant
A Community Health Fair in partnership with Meridian Health
Opportunities to explore 26 Career & Technical Education pathways offered through WCCC
Community members, families, students, and business partners are encouraged to attend, tour the facility, and learn how WCCC is fulfilling its mission of Building Skills & Growing Futures for Clinton County students.
For more information about Work-Based Learning or Career & Technical Education opportunities, please contact Wildcat Creek Career Cooperative.
