WBL In Action! Summit

 

WE Will! WBL In Action! Summit Recap: A Day of Inspiration and Insight on February 6, 2024, UC Merced proudly hosted the WE Will! WBL In Action! Summit, bringing together educators, students, and industry leaders for a day of powerful conversations and transformative learning.

 

The summit began with an impactful keynote address by Kevin Fleming, whose thought-provoking presentation challenged traditional views in education. Fleming’s message on work-based learning (WBL) and the importance of discovering personal purpose resonated deeply with attendees. His authentic storytelling and personal journey made his talk even more memorable, with one listener remarking, "You wouldn’t be saying what you delivered today without walking the path you lived." His presentation was widely described as “inspirational, educational, and essential for anyone involved in youth education."

 

Following the keynote, attendees engaged with a dynamic Student Panel, facilitated by Girlie Hale, Co-Chair of the Education Taskforce and President of Teachers College of San Joaquin. The panel, featuring student leaders from Orestimba High School, Gustine High School, Stockton Unified School District, Modesto Junior College, and California State University, Stanislaus, offered invaluable insights into their WBL experiences. This discussion provided a real-world perspective on how WBL shapes career pathways, especially in Education and Healthcare.

 

The summit also featured two breakout sessions led by COE, Post-Secondary, and Industry partners, focusing on how they are evolving their WBL processes and strengthening collaborations. Attendees, representing 57% K-12, 19% Post-Secondary, and 24% Industry partners, had the opportunity to dive deep into best practices and strategies that continue to improve student outcomes.

 

Throughout the afternoon, valuable networking opportunities were available, including a special moment where attendees could have their books signed by the keynote speaker. The event concluded with a final presentation by Erik Serrato of North Valley Thrive, leaving everyone feeling inspired and motivated to continue advancing WBL in their own communities.

 

We extend our sincere thanks to all our partners who made this event possible. Together, we are shaping the future of education and workforce development.