In partnership with Career Bridge, Evaluation by Design is providing measures of 21st century teaching and learning (#21CTL) and expertise in project based learning (#PBL) assessments to enhance innovative work-based learning (#WBL) in Texas districts. Our team provides exciting new ways to measure and facilitate student learning experiences and outcomes. Please contact Jason Ravitz or Eloy Garza, MPS-IMC (in the UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship) to learn more about how we can help you create YOUR portfolio of research-based programs and evidence. Click on the original post below for more information about this inspiring project.
?? Transforming Education in Texas: Career Bridge Launches Work-Based Learning Pilot! Career Bridge has officially launched a pilot program with McAllen ISD and Mercedes ISD, revolutionizing how educators bring work-based learning experiences into the classroom. This initiative aims to prepare students with the skills they need to thrive in any career by connecting education with industry. ? What’s New? Empowering Educators: Teachers gain tools to collaborate seamlessly with businesses, track student progress, and align projects with curriculum standards. Leticia Mendez from Mercedes Early College Academy shared her excitement: "I like the ease of being able to collaborate a lot easier. I think it will make life easier for both parties, and I can see how bridging that relationship between education and the community can help." Engaging Students: Students are set to develop business profiles and gain hands-on experience. Jaime Guzman of Memorial High School said, "It's an awesome opportunity to take the program up a notch. Having this software incorporated to work on projects and making it easier to communicate with businesses—I like the idea of students developing business profiles." ? Proven Success: Already a game-changer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Career Bridge has connected over 100 local businesses with over 500 business students on impactful work-based learning projects and supported regional entrepreneurship initiatives like RGV LEADS’ Student Startup Showdown. ? Strategic Partnerships: Career Bridge is collaborating with: Transformative Learning Initiatives (TLI), which specializes in sustainable employer engagement. Co-founder John Turcic emphasized the value of their approach: "We developed a unique employer engagement approach based on Strategic Account Management. We look forward to supporting McAllen ISD and Mercedes ISD through Career Bridge." Evaluation by Design (EBD), focused on assessment strategies. CEO Jason Ravitz, Ph.D., shared, "I look forward to using Career Bridge to support these teachers and their students in the future." ?? Why It Matters This pilot program represents a significant step toward sustainable, skill-driven education. By fostering partnerships between schools and industry, Career Bridge is equipping the next generation with essential career-ready skills, while creating lasting benefits for communities across Texas and beyond. ?? Join Us in Shaping the Future! Are you ready to bridge the gap between education and industry? Explore partnership opportunities or learn more about how Career Bridge can transform classrooms and communities. ?? Visit career-bridge.com to get involved! Let’s celebrate this bold move to reimagine education and workforce preparation! #EducationInnovation #WorkBasedLearning #CareerReady #EdTech #TexasEducation #CareerBridge #BusinessEducation #HandsOnLearning