Purpose
The purpose of this award is to recognize the work-based learning (WBL) professionals that have demonstrated overall contributions to student success through community engagement, leadership roles, student organizations, WBL classroom innovations, and WBL advocacy.
Eligibility
All candidates must serve as a WBL professional at the time of initial nomination. Candidates must be members of the ACTE Work-Based Learning Division at the time of nomination to be considered.
Criteria
Candidates will be evaluated on the following criteria:
A. Contributions for student success
B. Innovations with WBL ideas or strategies
C. WBL Advocacy
D. Leadership in the Work-Based Learning Community
E. Involvement with student organization(s)
All candidates must demonstrate the best practice of WBL based on the High Quality CTE Framework to be eligible to receive this award. Nominations will be scored based on the criteria elements and the details provided in the candidate’s application (including letters of support).
Leadership Alliance for WBL
Purpose
The purpose of this program is to develop future work-based learning national leaders by providing guided support and growth opportunities led by ACTE Work-based Learning Division.
Eligibility
All applicants must serve as a WBL practitioner, working directly with local programs to benefit students. Candidates must be members of the ACTE Work-Based Learning Division at the time of application to be considered.
Expectations
● Participation in the upcoming and subsequent year’s National WBL Conference.
● Attendance at four of the five virtual sessions.
● Participation in the year-long WBL Alliance project with peers that will be published and accessible to all ACTE WBL Division Members.
● Maintain membership in ACTE’s WBL Division throughout participation in this program.
● Sign and follow the expectations outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
By applying for the Leadership Alliance for WBL program, I understand that if selected to participate I am committing to:
● Attendance at the following events: 2026 WBL Conference, 5 virtual sessions, and 2027 WBL Conference (Registration and up to $700 travel reimbursement will be provided for each conference.)
● Participation in and completion of a WBL-focused project for graduation (and meetings associated with project completion).
As a participant in the Leadership Alliance for WBL program, participants will receive:
● Personalized professional development and investment by national WBL leaders.
● A certificate of program completion, with hours articulated in professional learning in the virtual sessions and in-person training at the WBL conferences.
● Recognition at the National WBL Conferences.
If you have any questions about the Leadership Alliance for WBL, please contact Jan Jardine.