Frankfort, IN — February 4, 2026 — On February 3 Wildcat Creek Career Cooperative (WCCC) hosted its annual Work-Based Learning (WBL) Recognition & Reception at the Frankfort Community Public Library. This event celebrates students, educators, and community partners who make hands-on career learning possible for Clinton County students through valuable Work-Based Learning opportunities.

The event brought together employers, educators, families, and community leaders to recognize the impact of Work-Based Learning during the 2025–26 school year. This year, 63 students are participating in WBL experiences, representing a 68% increase from the previous year, supported by 45 business and community partners, including 35 new partners.

"Work-Based Learning continues to grow because our partners see the value in investing in students early," said Josie Miller, WBL Coordinator at WCCC. "These experiences allow students to explore careers, build employability skills, and make informed decisions about their futures—while giving employers the opportunity to mentor and shape their future workforce."

Throughout the event, attendees heard powerful success stories from students and employers representing industries such as healthcare, skilled trades, agriculture, education, retail, transportation, and social and community services. These stories highlighted the mutual benefits of WBL, including hands-on training for students and the development of a strong, local talent pipeline for employers.

"Hosting students is something we really value because it gives young people a chance to see what the workplace is like—and it gives us the chance to help guide the next generation."

Jill Kingery, of Truland Equipment

In addition to hearing the impact WBL is having on the students and partners, WCCC recognized two Partners of the Year: Truland Equipment and the Frankfort Community Public Library. This award honors partners who have gone above and beyond to provide meaningful, high-quality work-based learning experiences that positively impact students and their future career paths.

The event concluded with a Work-Based Learning Forum, where educators and business partners discussed future goals, including expanding internship opportunities, improving the quality of WBL experiences, and growing the LEARN Academy model across additional career pathways.

The LEARN Academy is off to a great start for the 2025-2026 school year and our students are finishing up their first 8 week rotation at Frito Lay/Pepsi Co. We have been so grateful for this opportunity for our students that was created in partnership with Ivy Tech Community College, Frito Lay, Tenneco, Covestro, and NHK.

We are currently seeking students to apply for the program for the 2026-2027 school year. Please scan the QR code in the attached flyer to express interest in next year's program.

The Learn Academy is designed to provide students with a two-year program that includes classroom learning, industry training, and paid internships. Students will earn both high school and college credits through Ivy Tech's dual credit and dual enrollment courses, preparing them for high-wage, high-demand careers. In partnership with the Indiana Next Generation Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC), Ivy Tech Community College, and local employers, Wildcat Creek Career Cooperative (WCCC) is launching the Learn Academy of Clinton County to create pathways for students to move from high school to industry and post-secondary education opportunities.

Lisa Deck, IN-MaC's Program Manager Education Workforce, emphasized the importance of integrating education with industry experience. "We aim to increase the hands-on experience while focusing on the academic, technical, and durable skills needed for a successful future," Deck said.

"This partnership is an excellent example of how collaboration between education and industry can benefit students and the community," said Georgia Everett, Wildcat Creek Career Cooperative's Director of Career and Technical Education. "We are thrilled to provide students with meaningful opportunities to develop the skills needed to thrive in today's workforce."

Penne Hout, Site Manager for Covestro, expressed enthusiasm for the program's potential. "The manufacturing industry needs high-quality employees who are engaged and productive. I'm so excited to be part of a program that allows industry to mentor students and prepares them to enter the professional workforce," Hout said.

The program is set to launch in Fall 2025, serving students from Clinton Central, Clinton Prairie, Frankfort, and Rossville high schools. Students will gain hands-on experience through integrated classroom and industry training, culminating in paid internships during their final semester.