2025 ISBE Career Connections Conference

Portfolio-Based Internships will present an in-depth exploration of a collaboration between Round Lake Area School District 116 and Lake County Tech Campus, as the organizations developed a pilot program for HBS students to complete a portfolio-based internship in the Human and Public Service Pathway, specifically Law Enforcement and School Safety. The internship was built through a portfolio of School Safety and Law Enforcement experiences facilitated by Round Lake District Safety personnel, who acted as the employer and team of industry experts. Students developed HBS Technical Competencies and Essential Employability Skills through their experiences with diverse facets of School Safety and its role in supporting a positive school and community climate. The experiences collectively  totaled 60 hours. Issues around transportation equity were addressed with students completing the internship in their home district. The Portfolio-Based Internship is a valuable model for districts and CCR Stakeholders to potentially customize and scale across all seven Career Pathways.