PROJECT-BASED LEARNING
Businesses gain new insights and solutions offered by students, and students can directly interact with the industry and the employers.
Students demonstrate their knowledge and skills by creating a product or presentation for a real audience that they can use in their portfolio.
Real-world experience is gained by students with an opportunity to contribute to an actual business problem or project.
TO CONSIDER:
Consider what materials/instructions/background/programs would be helpful for the Teacher and students to look at prior to working on this project.
Select a passionate company representative to visit the classroom to speak about the company, the company's problem/project that the students will be addressing, and desired outcomes. Provide instructions and expectations to the students; set guidelines and create a comprehensive plan that includes deadlines and FAQs for the participants.
Provide materials (if applicable) and guidance to the students on the project to complete or the problem to be solved.
If this project is arranged as a competition, the Business Partner will work with the Academy Coach/Teacher to determine the rules and criteria for the competition, including any rewards, judges from your company/industry, materials needed, etc.
PROJECT PLANNING
1. Initial Planning Meeting (Teacher + BP)
Format: Ideally in-person at the company or school; virtual meeting also acceptable.
Goals of Meeting:
Define the scope of the project (problem statement or real-world challenge students will solve).
Identify ideal outcomes (what success looks like for students and for the company).
Discuss materials, tools, and budget required.
Decide how students will be scored (rubric, presentation criteria, etc.).
Establish a timeline for checkpoints, feedback sessions, and final presentations.
Outcome: A mutually agreed plan that sets expectations for both parties.
2. Business Partner Leads Identified
1–2 people from the company are designated as primary points of contact.
Responsibilities include:
Handling project correspondence and coordination with the teacher.
Visiting the classroom early in the process to introduce the company, industry, and project scope.
Explaining project goals, expectations, timeline, and any resources provided.
3. Student Work Phase
In-Class Work: Students work during class time, often in groups, depending on project size and class structure.
Teacher Role: Facilitates progress, manages day-to-day structure, and ensures students meet milestones.
Partner Role:
Provide midpoint feedback sessions or “checkpoints” (in-person or virtual).
Answer student questions about the industry, tools, or expectations.
Reinforce the connection between project tasks and real-world applications.
4. Student Presentations & Feedback
Students prepare a final presentation showcasing their solutions or deliverables.
Business Partner Engagement:
Multiple BP representatives attend presentations.
Provide verbal feedback, ask follow-up questions, and score presentations based on the agreed rubric.
Celebrate student effort while offering constructive insights tied to workplace standards.
Optional: Invite other industry partners or community members to observe or help judge.
READY TO MAKE IT HAPPEN? Reach our to our team for next steps!
WE ASKED THE STUDENTS…
We asked JCPS students and educators what they wanted to do, hear, and learn from this experience; use these as objectives in planning:
Demonstrate or depict the company’s problem in a way students will understand, and explain how they can help identify solutions.
Talk about why this work is important, and share how students’ work will be evaluated.
Collaborate with the teacher to present the project timeline, deliverables, and confirm a schedule for student work, including the day of presentations/evaluations (if applicable).
Make a clear connection between the skills needed in your industry and the type of postsecondary education/training required for different roles.
We kindly ask that you do not:
Make promises that students’ work will be used in real life. Please clarify that their work is for educational purposes and may or may not be applied by your company.
Provide harsh commentary on student work. Instead, ensure company representatives give feedback and guidance that connects student efforts to the company’s goals and the purpose of the project.
PROJECT COMPLETION
Promote Reflection and Evaluation: Encourage students to reflect on their learning experiences and evaluate their progress. Provide opportunities for self-assessment, peer review, and feedback from mentors.
Student Showcase: Coordinate a day with the teacher for students to showcase their work, via presentation if applicable. Ideally, through this experience, students will have an opportunity demonstrate their projects to peers, parents, and the community. Celebrate their achievements and recognize their contributions.
Seek Feedback and Iterate: Gather feedback from students, educators, and other stakeholders to improve the project-based learning experience. Use this feedback to make iterative changes and enhancements for future iterations.
Spread the word on social media! See links below.
Follow up & continued guidance:
Providing resources, further information, or guidance on potential next steps, such as internships, educational paths, or industry-related events, extends the impact beyond the tour day.
Networking Opportunities: Encouraging students to network with other professionals or employees in related roles within the organization can broaden their understanding of different career pathways.
Start planning your next student engagement activity! See more guides to creating student experiences here.
Project-Based Learning Examples Facilitated by Business Partners
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Shawnee Students Partner with Belle of Louisville to Revamp Social Media Strategy
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Ballard High School's Biomedical Sciences Pathway Hosts Medical Intervention Event
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Jeffersontown High School Students use CAD, Engineering & Design Skills to Recreate Map for Jtown Gaslight Festival
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Humana Empowers Waggener Students with Real-World Tech Experience
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Innovative Marketing Presentations Showcase Eastern High School's Business Academy
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Iroquois High School Culinary Students Work with McAtee Community Kitchen for a Community Service Project
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"My Teddy Bear Has a Heartbeat": The 2024 PRP Teddy Bear Clinic
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Ad2 and Jeffersontown High School Collaborate on Project-Based Learning Initiative
More ways to engage with students:
