Work-Based Learning Innovation: Thinking Inside the Box

Setting the Stage: Building a Better Future Together

Imagine being a high school student, stepping out of the classroom and into the real world. Instead of just reading about careers, you’re actually living them — immersed in the hustle and bustle of a workplace, gaining hands-on experience and learning from professionals who are eager to guide you. This is the essence of work-based learning (WBL), where education transcends traditional boundaries. It’s about trading textbooks for real-world projects, internships and job shadow experiences that give you a front-row seat to your future career.

Work-based learning isn’t just a cool add on to your education — it’s a game changer. It allows you to explore your passions and build skills that no classroom can teach. At Avenue Scholars, we’re committed to harnessing the power of WBL to shape students' futures. Our mission is to bridge the gap between education and business, guaranteeing careers for our youth of hope and need through supportive relationships, individualized coaching, education and training. But we can’t do it alone. We need the support of community champions and local businesses to help us create opportunities for students to explore careers outside school walls.

Through the partnerships that Avenue Scholars has established, we’ve filtered hundreds of promising ideas … many of them didn’t find their wings, but a select few have the potential to be wildly successful. The impact of WBL comes from its simplicity — connecting students with future employers. Within the simplicity, there is tons of room for trying new things, dynamic partnerships, and innovation. Here, we wanted to let you in on some of the ingredients we’ve found that have landed in the sweet spot of innovation and feasibility, to create some great WBL opportunities for students and companies.

Finding Your Champions: The People Behind the Mission

Every community has its game changers — the people who break down barriers and open doors in the name of progress. In our community, that spirit is embodied by Jeff White and the East High Alumni Foundation. Through Jeff and generations of champions, they’ve kept the East High spirit alive and thriving. Jeff White is one who makes connections between and among others as he keeps the bigger community picture in mind. For Avenue Scholars, one of the most remarkable outcomes was being introduced to one of East’s most distinguished alums — Mr. Art Wittern.

Art Wittern is the leader who built up one of the most successful vending and controlled dispensing companies in the world. This, in combination with his continued community engagement, landed him a spot in the East High Hall of Fame. Mr. Wittern’s journey from the halls of East High to the boardrooms of the business world is a testament to what’s possible when you combine hard work, determination, and a strong sense of community. Mr. Wittern is also a champion for entrepreneurialism and innovation, which is where Avenue Scholars ties in.

A Match Made in Heaven: Avenue Scholars, The Wittern Group and a Vision for the Future

The first time Avenue Scholars met with The Wittern Group it was clear that this was more than just a partnership — it was the start of something extraordinary. We didn’t just share a goal; we shared the energy and enthusiasm for empowering students. This energy created the conditions necessary for us to think creatively, out of the box. We asked the question: what would happen if we gave vending machines to students? Like all great WBL ideas, the promise of the idea lies in the idea’s simplicity. Eventually we crafted a shared vision: to empower students to build and launch a profitable, school-based vending business through collaborative planning, design and mentorship.

This isn’t just about sitting in a classroom and taking notes. This is hands-on, project-based, earn-to-learn education at its finest. The students selected for this project will work alongside industry experts at The Wittern Group, learning every aspect of the vending machine business. From developing a business plan to crafting marketing strategies, from analyzing data to getting hands-on with machine maintenance — these students will experience it all. They’re actually going to run a vending business! This exciting collaboration, set to kick off in the 2024-2025 school year, will bring together 3-4 junior and senior students from East High School who are eager to dive into manufacturing, business, entrepreneurship and IT.  With support from Mark Core, the dedicated Avenue Scholars Career Coach at East High School, the students will have someone in their corner to help remove any barriers and ensure the project runs smoothly.

And here’s the cherry on top: a portion of the profits earned from this venture will go directly back to the students.  This isn’t just a project; it’s a launchpad for success. It’s proof that when the right people come together with a shared vision, incredible things can happen. And the real magic? It comes from the mentorship these students will receive. Art Wittern, along with other seasoned professionals from The Wittern Group, will offer invaluable coaching and guidance. The students will report their progress quarterly, gaining insights that can’t be found in any textbook.

Investing in the Future, One Student at a Time

For The Wittern Group, teaming up with Avenue Scholars isn’t just about giving back — it’s about planting seeds for the future. Imagine having a direct line to the next wave of talent: students who are not only eager to learn but also bring fresh ideas, energy and a new perspective. That’s exactly what this partnership offers. By working closely with these bright young minds, The Wittern Group gains access to a pipeline of skilled, motivated and innovative individuals who could very well be the future leaders of the company.

These students are getting hands-on experience in a real-world business setting, learning the ins and outs of the vending machine industry from the ground up. They’re not just learning — they’re doing. And as they do, they’re becoming familiar with The Wittern Group’s values, processes and goals. It’s like having a customized training program, where the company can shape and mentor future employees who are already aligned with the company culture and ready to hit the ground running.

But the benefits don’t stop there. This partnership also bolsters The Wittern Group’s reputation as a leader in corporate social responsibility. By investing in education and workforce development, they’re showing a genuine commitment to the community — a move that strengthens their brand and builds loyalty among customers and employees alike. It’s the ultimate win-win: the company helps pave the way for educational advancement while gaining early access to a new generation of potential employees.

In short, this collaboration isn’t just a good deed — it’s a smart business move that positions The Wittern Group for long-term success, while also making a positive impact on the community.

Thinking Inside the Box

The title of this blog post, "Work-Based Learning Innovation: Thinking Inside the Box," perfectly captures the spirit of our partnership. By literally working with vending machines, students gain hands-on experience that equips them to tackle real-world challenges. It’s about taking something familiar and using it as a springboard for innovation, creativity and growth.

Want to be part of this transformative journey? Whether you’re a business leader eager to make a difference, an educator passionate about work-based learning or a community member who wants to support our youth, we invite you to join us. Together, we can empower the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Reach out to Avenue Scholars Des Moines today and discover how you can help build a brighter future. Let’s make this vision a reality — one student at a time.

Learn more at avescholarsdesmoines.org.

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.