2025 ISBE Career Connections Conference

Engaging businesses in work-based learning requires more than just offering internship opportunities—it demands a partnership that respects the realities of running a business. Schools often focus on educational outcomes, while businesses prioritize profitability and workflow. How can these two worlds align to create sustainable, meaningful partnerships?

Enter the Give Me TEN programs, a business-first approach to work-based learning. This innovative model flips the script, allowing businesses to dictate what they can realistically offer based on their job flow and profitability, while still providing students with valuable real-world experiences. By prioritizing business needs, the program ensures partnerships are practical, productive, and long-lasting.

Join us to explore how educators and administrators can simplify school-business relationships, engage local industries, and create work-based learning programs that truly work for everyone. Leave with actionable strategies to implement this forward-thinking approach in your own community.

In this interactive session, educators will explore the LIT method, Listen, Interact, and Transform, as a powerful approach to engaging high school students. Khayla will walk attendees through practical strategies for transforming their lessons to meet the needs of today’s learners, while encouraging an environment where mistakes are embraced as opportunities for growth. The session will tackle common challenges such as balancing engagement without overdoing it, updating outdated lessons, and navigating the fine line of being the ""cool"" teacher. Participants will collaborate, sharing lessons they struggle with and learning ways to make them more engaging and impactful.Khayla will discuss how education has evolved from pre-COVID to now and offer handouts that include the LIT method along with resources for finding trending teaching ideas. Teachers will leave with tools and strategies to better understand and meet the diverse needs of their students.

Equipping youth with the skills and knowledge needed to make a great first impression is the initial step in helping youth ace their first interview. Join 4-H Youth Development Educators, Martha Ebbesmeyer and Kelly Lafferty, for an active workshop experience and explore activities designed to help build your student’s confidence while preparing for an apprenticeship application or a summer job interview. Help youth showcase their skills effectively through preparation and practice with simple, ready-to-use resources.
Participants will also gain knowledge about free workforce development programs available statewide from University of Illinois 4-H Extension staff. By the end of the session, attendees will be equipped with practical tools and ideas to enhance their classroom lessons.

Discover practical strategies to help teen girls develop their leader identity and reach their full potential. This session equips educators with tools to guide students in recognizing their strengths, building confidence, and embracing leadership roles while exploring career pathways. Participants will explore research-based techniques to foster a growth mindset, promote self-advocacy, and encourage meaningful goal-setting.
Through interactive discussions and real-world examples, attendees will explore toolkits and resources that inspire young women to lead with purpose and resilience. This session offers actionable insights to empower the next generation of female leaders. Join us to uncover the path to peak performance while helping students develop their career pathways and thrive in leadership and beyond.