A model work-based learning program includes the elements of planning, college commitment and resources, activities and marketing. Marge Nielsen interviewed Stan Wright, 2004 California Cooperative Education and Internship Association’s Two-Year College Award for his exemplary work in experiential (work-based) learning.

Did you determine needs for your center through interviews, surveys, questionnaires, focus groups or any other way?
“We survey students, faculty and employers every semester. We are currently working with our Research and Development Department to develop online surveys to more effectively quantify the information we collect.”

Do you have any written plan on file with your mission, goals, activities, etc?
“We have a written plan, which is updated annually. We also publish our mission and vision statements in the CWEE Handbook.”

Do you have an advisory committee?
“We have several advisory committees both on-campus and off-campus.”

Is your department included in the college’s educational master plan, strategic plan or mission statement?
“The college includes work-based learning in broad terms within their educational master plan, strategic plan and mission statement.”

Do you have on-going communication and linkages with departments, such as counseling, Career Center, EOPS, etc.? Do they present career workshops or assist your students with their assignments?“We have excellent linkages throughout the campus. We work closely with the Career Center where students may receive assistance with resume critiques, career resources and a computer lab to complete assignments.”

Do you send internship information to the various departments?
“We established a campus-wide all email system providing URL links to internship descriptions to efficiently inform the entire campus of internship opportunities. Internships are listed on our user-friendly web site at http://www.canyons.edu/offices/cwee. Employers may quickly and easily post their internship opportunities on the website for free.”

Do you keep your statistics on a computerized program?
“We are able to obtain real-time statistical information from our internship web site and other databases. Within 26 months, we have developed more than 800 internship opportunities for our students.”

Do you distribute any written reports to the campus on your accomplishments?
“We distribute statistical information throughout the campus at all levels of management and instruction. The college president, division deans, including the economic development dean and occupational dean all receive periodic reports.”

How do you provide students with resources for employment skills training?
“We have developed an extensive video library, which has helped provide good career related information to students. Students can view the many videos during their own time with little need for staff assistance.” Students can also register for career development classes and free workshops at the college. Also, the Career Center assists our students.”

Are you involved with community organizations?
“I’m involved with many business and professional organizations, such as, the Chamber of Commerce, the Valley Industrial Association, ROP, the Santa Clarita Valley School and Business Alliance. I’m also a member of the California Community College Chancellor’s Office Statewide Advisory Committee for Work-based Learning and Employment Services.”

How do you publicize your program?
“We have publicized the program on local TV, the college “Bottom-Line” a quarterly newsletter, the college newspaper, a local magazine, the CWEE Internet web site, brochures, and flyers? Our Public Information Office has written press release and posted information on the college’s electronic marques. We also present information to the classrooms, clubs and at division meetings.”

I know that marketing is your expertise. You have developed a department logo, student handbook, a good web site, a video and brochures. Is there anything else you would like to add?
“We have developed a marketing video, in conjunction with the college Radio, Television and Film Department, to run a 5 minute message on the local access TV channel and for other employer and student marketing applications. We work closely with Admissions and Records to identify students that have stated on their application form that they plan to work, while attending school. We then send a letter and brochure explaining the program and inviting them to enroll. We have redesigned curriculum and assignments to be sensitive to the time constraints of working students and their supervisors, which ultimately satisfy the needs of our consumers and therefore enhance our marketing opportunities.”