Practical PR: The Rise of Career-Connected Learning
By Lauren MiholicEarly exposure to careers through internships, dual credit, apprenticeships, and CTE programs is key to equity and engagement.
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
It’s the question every child is asked, from the sandbox to senior year. But for many high schoolers, the answer is still murky — and for some, it feels out of reach.
Community High SD 99 in Downers Grove is working to change that narrative through a dynamic suite of career-connected learning experiences. The district’s mission — to provide a foundation for students to confidently pursue a future of their choosing — comes alive in hallways, classrooms, and community partnerships across the district.
From engineering internships to entrepreneurial pitch nights, District 99 is reframing high school as a launchpad for opportunity, not just a stepping stone to college.
From the Classroom to the Workplace
At the heart of District 99’s strategy is work-based learning: Real-world experiences that bring relevance to what students are learning in class.
“We typically serve a pretty wide variety of students in terms of what their interests and postsecondary plans are,” said Ryan Altenburg, Internship Program Instructor at Downers Grove South High School. “The ultimate goal is to provide work-based learning experiences with the help of businesses that we partner with in the surrounding community.”
Students are eager to dive into fields like engineering, architecture, and healthcare. And when they do, the results are powerful.
“A student should take this program because it shows you a career and field and a path you could potentially go down,” said Markos Liossis, a District 99 graduate. “It’s a great way to find out what you want to do.”
His classmate Jeevan Kolavennu interned at Magnet Schultz of America, a manufacturer in nearby Westmont. “I didn’t know much about [engineering], so I just kind of wanted to learn more through my last year of high school — and this has been perfect,” he said.
Fellow intern Donnie Oklema found hands-on learning transformative. “There’s a lot of things available to professionals, such as the software program SolidWorks, which I’m not able to use at my school. But coming here, I’m able to use it and work on it, which is really fun and cool to learn.”
The workplace doesn’t just reinforce classroom learning — it accelerates it.
The Employer Advantage
Of course, students aren’t the only ones benefiting. Industry partners recognize the mutual value of early career exposure.
“It’s hard for kids to know where they want to go in their careers — I mean, they’re high school juniors and seniors,” said Reid Magner, Owner and Vice President of Bravo Company Engineering, a civil engineering firm that designs roads and infrastructure for municipalities.
“But helping them focus or get a little bit of experience is a leg up for them, and it’s also a leg up for the company.”
Magner calls it paying it forward. “They’ve already got that on their resume as a high schooler? They’re some of the first kids snatched up at the career fairs because they’ve already got some experience and training.”
A District-Wide Commitment
Career-connected learning doesn’t stop at internships. District 99 offers a wide spectrum of experiences:
- 58% of students enroll in at least one Career and Technical Education (CTE) course, gaining industry-relevant skills.
- 4% attend the Technology Center of DuPage, a state-of-the-art facility offering certifications in health sciences, culinary arts, welding, and more.
- 3% participate in formal work-based learning experiences, a number the district is working to grow.
And through a long-standing partnership with Chamber630, the district continues to expand its students’ reach. The Attainable Futures program introduces students to local professionals, career exploration, and practical skills like resume writing, interview techniques, and digital presence — all framed by the importance of civic engagement and professionalism.
Why It Matters
For District 99, career-connected learning isn’t just about job preparation. It’s about equity and engagement. These experiences help students discover what motivates them, build confidence, and forge pathways they might not have imagined.
This kind of exposure is especially critical for students who may not have access to professional networks at home. Real-world learning levels the playing field and sparks ambition.
And the payoff? Students leave high school not only with a diploma, but with a direction.
How School Board Members Can Help
School boards play a critical role in expanding career-connected learning. Here’s how you can help bring opportunity to your students:
- Leverage Your Network: Reach out to peers, local business leaders, civic groups, and trade associations. Ask if they’d be open to hosting student interns, offering a job shadow, or speaking to a class.
- Partner With Local Chambers: Organizations like Chamber630 have a direct pipeline to industry and a mission to develop local talent. Start a conversation about workforce readiness initiatives in your area.
- Champion CTE and Work- Based Learning: Advocate for robust funding, scheduling flexibility, and staff support for these programs. Elevate the stories of student success in your board meetings.
- Be Visible: Attend student pitch nights, career expos, and internship showcases. Your presence signals to the community that this work matters.
Career-connected learning isn’t the future. It’s happening right now — in classrooms, businesses, and communities across Illinois. And with the right support, it can happen everywhere.
Lauren Miholic is Communications Specialist and FOIA Officer for Community High SD 99 in Downers Grove.