ARTICLE
Wilmington, DE – Work-based learning (WBL) experiences may have looked different for high school students this year, but for some students their experiences became an opportunity to persevere and to shine. Such was the case for McKean High School senior, Madison Plazio. Madison is currently gaining experience in marketing and digital design as part of her co-op experience with Rodel the Office of Work-Based Learning at Delaware Technical Community College (DTCC). Recently, Madison collaborated with Matt Amis of Rodel to produce a painting that would be used as a graphic for a story related to the falling enrollment of school students. Matt discovered Madison was a painter and asked if she would create an art piece that exemplified the idea for the story. The piece was then scanned and digitized to be highlighted as part of a recent blog by Rodel. The effort was an exemplary example of a co-op relationship that allows high school students opportunities to gain experience in a real-life workplace capacity. Though the number of students in co-op opportunities dropped this year, those that were able to be placed were rewarded with great experiences. Madison was one of those students whose abilities helped her secure a meaningful co-op experience for her. Matt complimented Madison’s work as well as her willingness to be flexible in meeting the needs of Rodel related to her experience. Additionally, Madison was able to thrive in an experience that has been mostly virtual in nature. For more information regarding Madison’s co-op journey, feel free to contact Bill Everett at McKean High School.