Work Based Learning

Work Based Learning Programming & Partnerships

• Automotive

  • On Fridays, our Automotive students attend GRCC at the M-Tec campus and earn articulated credit in the Introduction to Automotive Service & Repair course.

  • On Wednesdays they are engaging in hands on learning in Service Departments at local car dealerships; including LaFontaine Ford, Christian Brothers Automotive and Fox.

• Construction 

  • On Fridays, our Construction students attend GRCC at the M-Tec campus and earn articulated credit in the Introduction to Construction course.

  • On Wednesdays they are engaging in hands on learning with Habitat for Humanity on an active job site.

• Game Development

  • Our game development program is a partnership with Protege Game Studios. This unique opportunity introduces 12 students to the multidisciplinary work of video game development. Students learn to use digital tools to create game assets including 2D sprites, 3D models, sound elements while learning logic and coding principles. Students work with a video game development studio instructor to learn collaborative problem-solving while transitioning them from being passive consumers of media to active creators.

• Healthcare Pathway

  • In the fall semester, students are introduced to the field of Healthcare through partnerships with WellSpring of Life and Goodwill. With both of these partnerships, students will gain foundational healthcare knowledge, hands-on exposure to patient care concepts, and earn CPR/BLS certification.
  • In the spring semester, students that are 17 and older will continue on with Goodwill for their Certified Nurse Aid (CNA) program. Goodwill of Greater Grand Rapids Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training prepares individuals to pass the State of Michigan nurse aide exam and find a rewarding job in the healthcare industry. Our CNA training consists of 115 hours of classroom instruction and clinicals, providing real-world experience with residents at a long-term care facility in the Grand Rapids, Michigan area.

• Leadership Training

  • On Wednesdays students engage in service learning and volunteer at local nonprofits. For the 2026-2027 school year, they will rotate between Meals on Wheels, Kids Food Basket, The Grand Rapids Children's Museum, and other sites yet to be confirmed.
  • On Fridays, students attend Adventure Point and work through the Summit Leadership Program. This is an opportunity for 20 Crossroads students to become the best servant leaders that they can be. They will learn self awareness, effective listening, giving & receiving feedback, accountability, vulnerability, grit and discipline. By the end of the program, students will have a great understanding of each topic and how to utilize these concepts when working with others.

• Shani's Beauty Academy/Cosmetology

  • On Wednesdays in the fall semester, students are exposed to a variety of cosmetology programs in the area. Additionally, they get to visit salons and meet with local practioners to get a sense of what it is like to work in this field. On Wednesdays in the spring semester, students are with Ms. Hamilton at Shani's Beauty Academy.
  • On Fridays our students are with Ms. Dericee Hamilton at Shani's Beauty Academy. They are completing three courses (Microshading, Body Contouring, and Permanent Eyeliner). Additionally they each complete the Marketing 101 course. 

• Welding

  • On Fridays, our Welding students attend GRCC at the M-Tec campus and earn articulated credit in the Introduction to Welding course.
  • On Wednesdays in the fall semester, students will visit local welding and machining shops and meet with welders to see and experience what "real world" welding looks like. They'll have a chance to ask questions and tour locations.

  • On Wednesdays in the spring semester they are engaged in hands-on learning at two different sites. We are grateful for our continued partnership with Beverlin Manufacturing for a 6 week internship, and are currently in negotiations with our 2nd partner location.

• West Michigan Center of Arts and Technology (WMCAT)

  • Students that want to engage with their creative side are at WMCAT on Wednesdays. These students leverage visual arts and digital media to build creative confidence, elevate voice, connect with community, and explore possibilities for the future. The program offers semester-long experiences in on-site studios led by professional teaching artists.

  • On Fridays we are grateful for a partnership with Mosaic Film Experience. Through this partnership our students are introduced to the world of creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking through digital storytelling.

• Workforce Exposure

  • This year our Workforce Exposure program is facilitated in partnership with Wedgwood's Employment Training Program. Students have the opportunity to gain valuable life and job skills working for community clients offering services such as car detailing, landscaping & lawn services, upholstery, and building wood shop products.