Susan Bennett and Carole Farrar, career specialists at River Bluff High School, have been recognized for achieving the highest reported work-based learning experiences at the high school level in South Carolina.

Bennett and Farrar facilitated over 3,500 work-based experiences for students in the 2023-24 academic year.

According to the South Carolina Department of Education, work-based learning activities include hands-on, real-world experiences that help students explore potential career paths. These opportunities allow students to interact with professionals and companies in actual worksite environments.

In addition to helping students identify career options they may not have previously considered, work-based learning prepares them to enter the workforce or pursue postsecondary education, according to the SCDE.

Experiences under work-based learning include job shadowing, internships, mentoring, school-based enterprise, service learning, structured field student and Career and Technical Education (CTE) internships.

In job shadowing, students follow an employee at a worksite to observe daily tasks and workplace expectations. During mentoring, students are paired with an employee who provides guidance and challenges them to improve their skills.

Students who participate in a school-based enterprise operate a simulated business. Here, students operate the business while the teacher is the supervisor.

Students who participate in service-learning partner with local leaders who address community problems and issues. Students in the service-learning program do community service, working on specific activities and expanding their critical thinking.

Students in a structured field study observe different workspaces and learn what roles and skills are required. Students additionally get to ask questions about the types of jobs at the specific company and its mission.

Lastly, a CTE internship allows students to get credit and hours with a minimum of 120 hours while they gain experience in the workplace.

“This achievement highlights the tireless efforts of Susan and Carole, as well as our entire school community, to empower our students and provide them with meaningful opportunities to learn and grow,” Jacob Smith, Principal of River Bluff High School, said in a press release.