Huntsville City Schools (HCS) has been recognized as a 2025–2026 Alabama Work-Based Learning Best Practices Winner by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. This honor highlights the district’s innovative approach to connecting students with meaningful career experiences, particularly through its partnership with Huntsville Hospital.
This recognition will be featured at the upcoming Regional Convening, where Huntsville City Schools’ Work-Based Learning program will be presented for consideration of the State Seal of Excellence, awarded by the Governor of Alabama.
Three years ago, Huntsville City Schools launched a pilot program with Huntsville Hospital that gave high school seniors the opportunity to step directly into the workforce. Through the Work-Based Learning (WBL) program, students are employed by the hospital for the duration of the school year. These students gain valuable experience while earning wages while exploring career paths in healthcare and related fields.
Now in its third year, the program has achieved remarkable growth:
63 students from all six HCS high schools have participated
Over 14,000 hours of work-based learning completed
31 hospital departments and 25 managers have hosted student employees
More than $180,000 collectively earned by students
Students have gained hands-on experience in areas such as patient care, pharmacy, administration, IT, culinary services, and transportation—building the confidence and skills needed for success after graduation.
The success of this program reflects a strong district commitment to preparing students for life beyond high school through authentic, career connected learning. By partnering with community employers like Huntsville Hospital, HCS continues to strengthen pathways between education and the workforce helping shape the next generation of Alabama’s skilled professionals.