As students enter their senior year, they’ve identified their career interest and have had opportunities within their class work to part of that career like: The Academy Expo, Sophomore Site Visits, and Job Shadowing. In their last year, students have the option to create a capstone project based on the need within the industry and community. Capstone projects are the last stage in developing a student’s exposure to their desired industry throughout their time in high school. The capstone is identified as the last work-based learning experience a student should have on the spectrum of work-based learning projects through Rockford Public Schools. 

Work-based learning opportunities enable participants the chance to gain or enhance their skills while they are still in a safe environment. These opportunities include training, internships and apprenticeships, and ultimately, permanent jobs as part of a career pathways program. (U.S. Department of Labor).

Rockford Public Schools has adopted a work-based learning continuum which sets up the framework for work-based learning experiences from 8th grade to 12th grade. Work-based learning is a valuable component of a comprehensive education; it provides students with the opportunities to engage in deep exploration and preparation for the eventual world of work in the context of academic preparation for both college and career. Work-based learning also teaches important and essential skills, such as working in a team, appropriate workplace behavior, and critical thinking. These are skills that are vital in both college and career and will set RPS students apart as they enter into the next phase of their academic careers. 

Each student is responsible for a capstone idea. Alignment Rockford provides key industry partners to assist with planning the project in the industry, and community members to assist with project management. This year, our Capstone Team has implemented another round of capstone projects!