Connecting Activities (CA) is a statewide initiative focused on connecting schools and businesses to provide work-based learning experiences for students. The CA Program is organized through the 16 MassHire Workforce Boards and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).The program aims to enhance career readiness by offering structured, hands-on learning opportunities in real-world settings, often involving internships or job shadowing.
Connecting Activities
Program Elements:
Work-Based Learning: Connecting Activities provides structured work-based learning experiences for students, such as internships (paid or for school credit), pre-apprenticeships, and career capstones.
Employer Engagement: It actively recruits and engages employers to partner with schools and offer these learning opportunities, focusing on high-demand and high-wage fields.
Career Development: The program supports students in developing career awareness, exploration, and immersion through various activities, including job fairs, job shadowing, and industry panels.
Equity and Access: Connecting Activities aims to improve equity and access to career development education for underserved student populations, including racial/ethnic minorities, low-income students, English learners, and students with disabilities.
MyCAP Alignment: The program supports school and district efforts to implement MyCAP (Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Program) for all students, which helps students plan their academic and career paths.
Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan (WBLP): Connecting Activities utilizes the Massachusetts Work-Based Learning Plan to structure and guide student learning and productivity on the job.
Menu of Services:
The Connecting Activities Program offers a wide range of services for both students, teachers, and their schools.
For Students - Workplace Readiness Workshops, Certifications, Jobs
- Workshops on Resume and Cover Letter Writing, Interviewing
- Support in earning industry-recognized certifications
- Mock Interviews and counseling on career exploration and job readiness
- Connection to direct employment through YouthWorks
- Other innovative career exploration activities or trainings (i.e. Reality Fair)
For Schools/Organizations - Connecting with Employers and Work Based Learning
- Guest speakers, Career fairs
- Travel funds for Career Exploration events
- Site visits, Job Shadowing
- Support in establishing and developing Internships and Work-Study
- Job listings from MassHire
- Other innovative career exploration activities or trainings
Curriculum, Resources, and Technical Support
- Support in application for DESE Innovation Career Pathway status
- Support in application for other Career Development and Exploration Grants
- Support in using Work-Based Learning Plans
- Support in using MEFA Pathways or other Career Planning (MyCAP) tools
- Access to introductory training with VR and software from Interplay Learning
- Access to online resource – lesson plans, templates, videos
How it works
The Connecting Activities Program It's organized through the 16 MassHire Workforce Boards and the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
Regional Workforce Boards: The 16 MassHire Workforce Boards act as regional hubs, connecting schools, employers, and students within their specific areas. Our region includes Franklin County, Hampshire County, and the North Quabbin.
Young Adult Career Counselors: These professionals work directly with students and employers to facilitate placements, provide support, and ensure a positive learning experience.
Collaboration: Connecting Activities fosters collaboration between schools, businesses, and community organizations to create a comprehensive career development system.
What we ask of partner Schools:
- Timely sharing of participation data, meetings for check-ins and updates
- Contact person who will receive and respond to correspondence
- Attendance at regional partner convening, held twice per school year
Contact us for more information!
If you are a student, teacher, school, or business interested in how our Connecting Activities Program, please email us at yap@masshirefhcareers.org to find out more.