(Batesville, IN) – As the Batesville Community School Corporation continues to expand its community-connected Bulldog Ready learning model, Batesville High School (BHS) is calling on local businesses and organizations to partner with students through its growing Work-Based Learning (WBL) program.
To help meet increasing student demand and new Indiana diploma requirements, BHS will host a Work-Based Learning Fair on Thursday, March 12, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Batesville High School.
With new diploma seals being phased in statewide, approximately 150 BHS students will need access to a work-based learning or job shadowing experience during the 2026–27 school year. These real-world opportunities—formerly referred to as mentorship placements—help students explore career interests while building essential professional skills.
“The March 12 fair will focus on giving students the chance to market themselves directly to employers interested in hosting work-based learning experiences,” explained Tricia Jennewein, who is helping organize the event in her role as volunteer Bulldog Ready Community Coordinator. “Students may remain in one department at a business for a semester or rotate among roles to gain a broader understanding of career pathways.”
In addition to connecting students with potential hosts, the fair will serve as a hands-on learning lab where students practice key professional skills, such as introductions and elevator speeches, confident handshakes and eye contact, workplace etiquette and communication, and professional attire and presentation.
Work-Based Learning placements typically involve students spending one class block (1.5 hours on either Tuesdays/Thursdays or Wednesdays/Fridays) at a host site throughout the school year. Because the experience is for academic credit, placements do not need to be paid.
Local businesses of all sizes—including small businesses and nonprofit service organizations—are encouraged to participate. To be matched with students, employers may attend the fair in person or register for WBL online and allow school staff to match students with their organizations. The district’s goal is to match students with Fall 2026 placements before the end of the current school year in May.
The Work-Based Learning program continues to produce meaningful outcomes for students as they explore careers and transition into postsecondary education or employment. Anya Richey, a BHS student, discovered her career passion through a placement at a local veterinary clinic after realizing a hospital environment wasn’t the right fit.
“The vet clinic welcomed me with open arms and trusted me with hands-on learning experiences,” Richey said. “Because of this program, I’ve committed to Purdue University to study animal science on a pre-veterinary track and plan to attend vet school.”
Another recent BHS graduate, Noah Kuykendall, began a placement with Fitzpatrick Construction, unsure of his future direction. Through the experience, he developed skills and confidence that led to early graduation and full-time employment with the company. According to his employer, Noah has become a valuable and dependable asset to their team.
“Strong partnerships with local businesses are essential to preparing students for life beyond graduation and ensuring the continued success of the Bulldog Ready initiative,” emphasized Kyle Laker, Bulldog Ready Coordinator for the schools. “We’re grateful for those who have hosted students, and look forward to growing our list of available opportunities.”
Interested businesses or groups may contact Jennewein at BulldogConvenerCouncil@outlook.com or Laker at klaker@batesville.k12.in.us for more information.
(Batesville Community School Corporation press release)
