Belvidere District 100 continues to expand opportunities that connect students to college, careers, and the workforce. During the 2025-2026 school year, students participated in an increasing number of work-based learning experiences, including industry site visits, guest speakers, internships, job shadowing, and project-based internships with local business partners. More than 350 students participated in structured career exploration experiences through site visits and guest speakers, while 72 students completed internships in Automotive, Business and Marketing, CNA, EMT, Education, Information Technology, and Manufacturing. Several students also transitioned directly from internships into employment opportunities.
District 100 also celebrated a significant increase in College & Career Pathway Endorsements (CCPEs), with students earning 31 endorsements in the 2025-2026 school year—more than doubling the previous year’s total. Current endorsement opportunities include Automotive, CNA, Education, EMT, Information Technology, and Manufacturing, Engineering, Technology, and Trades (METT). Additional endorsement areas are planned for the coming years.
Additionally, District 100 continues to integrate academics with career-connected learning. This year, students participated in Amped on Algebra, a project-based course that connects algebra concepts to real-world career applications in business and manufacturing. Through hands-on projects such as designing and producing T-shirts, creating custom coasters, operating a student-run business, building skateboards, and analyzing mathematical applications in skiing, students developed both mathematical understanding and career-ready skills. The impact on student engagement has been significant. As one student shared, “I’ve always disliked math, but this year has been different… It’s been hands-on learning [and] that’s changed the way I see math.” These comments demonstrate the power of connecting rigorous academics to authentic, hands-on learning experiences. Building on this success, District 100 will launch Geometry in Construction during the 2026-2027 school year. It is a team-taught course that uses authentic construction projects to teach geometry standards while exposing students to careers in construction, architecture, engineering, and the skilled trades.
These accomplishments reflect the district’s continued commitment to ensuring students graduate with meaningful postsecondary credentials, workplace experiences, and clear pathways to future success.