When we think about the workforce we need to think both short and long term. We know the problems we’re facing now, but thinking about the future requires us to invest in our future workforce. We can’t expect the future to take care of itself - that’s the lesson we’re learning right now.  We have to make sure our kids are ready for opportunity. 

The Blue Springs School District is excited to bring Real World Learning (RWL) to our community and provide an opportunity for our students and local businesses to work together to build a thriving economy. 

What is Real World Learning?

Real World Learning prepares students for work, school, and life after high school graduation by gaining immersive experiences across a multitude of interests, industries, and employers. Through real-world projects and internships, students gain tangible Market Value Assets (MVA) to navigate their future. 

What is a Market Value Asset?

Market Value Assets are industry valued and recognized skills acquired in high school that create a more seamless transition from school to postsecondary education and/or the workplace. Students who leave high school with a diploma and MVA’s are more likely to enroll in postsecondary education/training and successfully  navigate the journey from school to employment without getting lost along the way.

Market Value Assets include:

• Job Shadow

• Client-Connected Project

• Industry Recognized Credential

• Internship

• College Credit

• Entrepreneurial Experiences

How can you become a partner in Real World Learning in Blue Springs?

By participating, your business will help prepare today’s students to become the talent and workforce of tomorrow.

Blue Springs employers play a key role in creating access to quality experiences that allow students to see how their interest, aptitudes and skills connect to local work opportunities. Employers and local community members can get involved in RWL in a variety of ways that make sense for them, providing students with hands-on, authentic problem-solving experiences and connections to professional resources. 

Engage Opportunities: Learning through practical experience. 

• Workplace tour - host students inside your facility to allow them to see and experience work activities and company/industry culture firsthand. 

• Career presentation - professionals participate in the classroom or at an event focused on understanding a variety of career fields. 

• Informational interviews - engage with students in-person or virtually to answer questions about work, workplace and careers. 

• Job shadow - engage with students 1:1 or in small groups to show what a ‘day in the life’ of a job or industry involves. 

• Project sponsorship - provide authentic projects for students to complete while coaching them along the way. 

• Educator Externships - engage with educators 1:1 or in small groups to show what a ‘day in the life’ of a job or industry involves.

Immerse Opportunities: Work in authentic environments with professionals

• Internships - provide student internships (may be paid or unpaid) requiring students to perform real work activities under the supervision of a professional.

• Apprenticeships - provide paid apprenticeship opportunities and on-the-job training as a pathway to full-time employment.

• Hosted Classroom - host courses, learning or professional events, and/or provide real-world equipment or other resources needed to support authentic learning environments. 

The district’s goal is by 2030 all Blue Springs School District students will graduate with a market value asset and a diploma, preparing them for a future of work and learning. 

To learn more about how you can get involved in Real World Learning, contact Andy Mayfield at amayfield@bssd.net or call 816-874-3440.

To sign up to be a Real World Learning partner, click here.