In this episode, Mike and Jason host Dr. Chelsea Marelle, Assistant Professor at University of North Georgia, an expert in Special Education to discuss pathways to partnership between Work-Based Learning and Special Populations in our schools.

In this episode, Mike and Jason return to The 2152 Project with a vibrant discussion on emerging trends in WBL and a stark warning from a narrowly averted crisis for one of the most prominent State WBL programs in the country!

In this bonus episode, Jason is presenting to a region meeting of Georgia Economic Developers. He was asked to deliver a presentation on how you can and why you should partner with Work-Based Learning (WBL) and the CTE programs in your school system.

Jason paints a picture of WBL not just as a student to work program but as a much broader economic development tool for talent retention and community success.

In this 'Bonus Episode,' Jason (of the 2152 Project) shares with ACTE's National Work-Based Learning conference-goers an overview of a new type of event called a "Reverse Career Fair" and recent updates for the Spring 2025 event. With 240+ attendees in a 180-seat room, this session was packed. Many participants were standing in the back, sitting on the floor, and some were even watching from the hallway! Now, you can enjoy the same content without the crowds!

Session Description:

This presentation will feature a nationally recognized and award-winning renovation to the typical ‘career fair’ design. This re-composition, what I call a 'Reverse Career Fair', is designed to guarantee student-employer engagement. Within this new design as a Social Capital Event, students will naturally have to self-advocate, promote their skills, and interact meaningfully with employers and industry representatives. While leveraged in a Georgia Work-Based Learning Program, the 'Reverse Career Fair' is a natural and dynamic capstone for any CTE Pathway or work experience. All event documents and resources will be made available, but only to verified session attendees--so make this session a priority!

Learning objective:

Session attendees will learn and be better equipped to implement a new and proven model for successful student-employee relationships as well as how to recruit business/industry partners to participate in a ‘Reverse Career Fair.

Learning objective:

Session attendees learn how to teach and prepare students to 'self-advocate' and market their skills in a professional environment, regardless of their CTE pathway/background.

Learning objective:

Session attendees will learn (and receive for free) the curriculum adaptations needed to implement and make the reverse career fair successful.

In this 'Bonus Episode,' Jason (of the 2152 Project) shares with ACTE's National Work-Based Learning conference-goers on the topic of AI & Apprenticeship. This is the first time that Jason has delivered this presentation publicly, and the response was outstanding! With 220+ attendees in a 180-seat room, this session was packed. Many participants were standing in the back, with some even sitting on the floor! Now, you can enjoy the same content without the crowds!

YouTube Video of the Presentation will premiere on 4/9/25 at 12 PM EST at this link:

https://youtu.be/cMtNHRcKGIQ

Session Description

What is AI’s Role in Work-Based Learning & Skill Development? Attend this session to discover how AI is transforming Work-Based Learning (WBL) by streamlining processes, enhancing student preparation, and automating support. This session will showcase practical AI tools, including School AI for creating mock interview spaces, a Coordinator Assistant for managing student guidance, and ChatGPT for evaluating resumes and LinkedIn profiles to identify gaps and generate targeted interview questions. Learn how to integrate AI into WBL programs to improve efficiency, personalize support, and better prepare students for the workforce.

Learning objectives:

Understand AI’s Role in Work-Based Learning – Explore how AI-powered tools can enhance work-based learning programs by automating tasks, improving student preparation, and providing personalized support.

Learning objectives:

Apply AI Tools for Career Readiness – Learn how to use platforms like School AI for mock interviews, a Coordinator Assistant for managing student advisement, and ChatGPT for resume and LinkedIn profile evaluation, gap analysis, and targeted question generation.

Learning objectives:

Integrate AI into WBL Programs – Develop strategies for incorporating AI into work-based learning initiatives to increase efficiency, streamline coordination, and better prepare students for career success.

In this 'Bonus Episode,' Jason (of the 2152 Project) shares with National ACTE Vision conference-goers about a new type of event called a "Reverse Career Fair." Despite the terrible time slot (Friay @ 4 pm), it was a standing-room-only session, so enjoy the same content without the crowds!

In this bonus episode, Jason presents to the ALACTE audience on the value of using LinkedIn in Work-Based Learning and CTE programs. Specifically, he poses the question, 'How often in education do the "Best tool available" and "Free", intersect? -Spoiler Alert...they do intersect with LinkedIn.

In the second episode of the 2152 Project's series, Work-Based Learning and Special Populations, Mike and Jason interview David Richardson, the Founder of Trades over Grades. David is passionate about Career & Technical Education, The Trades, and Special populations...particularly how they can all work together. Listen to this episode to hear some of David's unique and sometimes polarizing thoughts on Special Education. Whether you agree with him or not, his passion is obvious!