The 2152 Project is an organic, crowdsourced professional development platform for all things Work-Based Learning (WBL) and Business & Industry Partnerships designed to address hot-topic and other pertinent issues related to WBL, Employment, Talent at the secondary level, as well as Business/Industry Partnerships. The creators of the 2152 Project, Mike Hassler (Utah) and Jason Van Nus (Georgia), live 2,152 miles apart, where the name for the 2152 Project emerged. They are both considered thought-leaders in the Work-Based Learning space. The genesis for their vision of the 2152 project began when Jason met Mike at a conference. During introductions, a dialogue ensued where each realized that they were being contacted by states, schools, WBL professionals, and businesses across the country to address issues emerging within the Work-Based Learning community. As a result of this dialogue, The 2152 Project emerged to take these private, siloed conversations into the public forum, hoping to create more robust WBL Programs that better serve our students, communities, and industries.
In this 'Bonus Episode,' Jason (of the 2152 Project) shares with ACTE's National Work-Based Learning conference-goers an overview of a new type of event called a "Reverse Career Fair" and recent updates for the Spring 2025 event. With 240+ attendees in a 180-seat room, this session was packed. Many participants were standing in the back, sitting on the floor, and some were even watching from the hallway! Now, you can enjoy the same content without the crowds!Session Description:This presentation will feature a nationally recognized and award-winning renovation to the typical ‘career fair' design. This re-composition, what I call a 'Reverse Career Fair', is designed to guarantee student-employer engagement. Within this new design as a Social Capital Event, students will naturally have to self-advocate, promote their skills, and interact meaningfully with employers and industry representatives. While leveraged in a Georgia Work-Based Learning Program, the 'Reverse Career Fair' is a natural and dynamic capstone for any CTE Pathway or work experience. All event documents and resources will be made available, but only to verified session attendees--so make this session a priority!Learning objective:Session attendees will learn and be better equipped to implement a new and proven model for successful student-employee relationships as well as how to recruit business/industry partners to participate in a ‘Reverse Career Fair.Learning objective:Session attendees learn how to teach and prepare students to 'self-advocate' and market their skills in a professional environment, regardless of their CTE pathway/background.Learning objective:Session attendees will learn (and receive for free) the curriculum adaptations needed to implement and make the reverse career fair successful.
In this 'Bonus Episode,' Jason (of the 2152 Project) shares with ACTE's National Work-Based Learning conference-goers on the topic of AI & Apprenticeship. This is the first time that Jason has delivered this presentation publicly, and the response was outstanding! With 220+ attendees in a 180-seat room, this session was packed. Many participants were standing in the back, with some even sitting on the floor! Now, you can enjoy the same content without the crowds!YouTube Video of the Presentation will premiere on 4/9/25 at 12 PM EST at this link:https://youtu.be/cMtNHRcKGIQSession DescriptionWhat is AI's Role in Work-Based Learning & Skill Development? Attend this session to discover how AI is transforming Work-Based Learning (WBL) by streamlining processes, enhancing student preparation, and automating support. This session will showcase practical AI tools, including School AI for creating mock interview spaces, a Coordinator Assistant for managing student guidance, and ChatGPT for evaluating resumes and LinkedIn profiles to identify gaps and generate targeted interview questions. Learn how to integrate AI into WBL programs to improve efficiency, personalize support, and better prepare students for the workforce.Learning objectives:Understand AI's Role in Work-Based Learning – Explore how AI-powered tools can enhance work-based learning programs by automating tasks, improving student preparation, and providing personalized support.Learning objectives:Apply AI Tools for Career Readiness – Learn how to use platforms like School AI for mock interviews, a Coordinator Assistant for managing student advisement, and ChatGPT for resume and LinkedIn profile evaluation, gap analysis, and targeted question generation.Learning objectives:Integrate AI into WBL Programs – Develop strategies for incorporating AI into work-based learning initiatives to increase efficiency, streamline coordination, and better prepare students for career success.
In this 'Bonus Episode,' Jason (of the 2152 Project) shares with National ACTE Vision conference-goers about a new type of event called a "Reverse Career Fair." Despite the terrible time slot (Friay @ 4 pm), it was a standing-room-only session, so enjoy the same content without the crowds!
In this bonus episode, Jason presents to the ALACTE audience on the value of using LinkedIn in Work-Based Learning and CTE programs. Specifically, he poses the question, 'How often in education do the "Best tool available" and "Free", intersect? -Spoiler Alert...they do intersect with LinkedIn.
In this 'Bonus Content' episode, Jason (of the 2152 Project) shares with Georgia's ACTE conference-goers some creative ways that they can ACTUALLY USE YOUSCIENCE data in their schools. These strategies include using YouScience data to address:Career GuidanceCLNA ComplianceIEP/504 Planning (Transition Plans)Social Emotional Learning (SEL) initiativesPositive Behavior Intervention Systems (PBIS) initiativesParent/Guardian InsightsDifferentiated InstructionPedagogy Reflections for Instructors
In this 'Bonus Episode' Jason (of the 2152 Project) shares with Georgia's ACTE conference-goers about a new type of event called a "Reverse Career Fair". It was a standing room only session, so enjoy the same content without the crowds!Also, there is a cameo (15:43) from Dr. Wall, Georgia's Deputy Superintendent of Schools, when she has to ask Jason to not be so loud because the adjacent rooms were having trouble hearing their presenters!
In the second episode of the 2152 Project's series, Work-Based Learning and Special Populations, Mike and Jason interview David Richardson, the Founder of Trades over Grades. David is passionate about Career & Technical Education, The Trades, and Special populations...particularly how they can all work together. Listen to this episode to hear some of David's unique and sometimes polarizing thoughts on Special Education. Whether you agree with him or not, his passion is obvious!
In this 'Bonus Episode', you'll hear Jason Van Nus (of the 2152 Project) present the Blueprint for the partnership, recently recognized by ACTE as the 2024 Industry/Education Partnership of the Year. This partnership is between the Lowndes County Work-Based Learning Program, ACE Electric, & Wiregrass Technical College in Valdosta, GA, and was presented at the 2024 National Work-Based Learning Conference in Milwaukee, WI.
In the first episode of our new series, Work-Based Learning and Special Populations, Mike and Jason interview Melanie Allen, a special populations advocate and researcher, about the benefits of aligning WBL and Special Education programs in a robust partnership designed for student success.
In a 'Bonus Episode', Jason (of the 2152 Project) and colleague Stephen Casa (Ulster BOCES in NY) tag-team this high-energy session on 'Selling and Recruiting in WBL' at the 2024 National Work-Based Learning Conference in Milwaukee, WI.
In the final episode in our WBL and the Trades Series, and also our final episode of 2023, we speak with Greg Terry and Israel Cortez from Ace Electric about their unique perspective on investing in the future workforce, their recent national recognition, and a new pilot program with YouScience that will take their already DYNAMIC partnership with Lowndes High School Work-Based Learning to a whole new level!
In Episode 10 of the 2152 Project, Kathy Tolleson, District Manager, AGC of Utah, joins Mike and Jason to cover some strategies of working with Industry to show them the value of hiring from the WBL talent pool; and with Parents and Students to show them the value of a career in the trades!
In Episode 9 of the 2152 Project, David Richardson, Founder of 'Trades over Grades', joins Mike & Jason to discuss stigmas surrounding education The Trades.
In this episode, Mike and Jason put a bow on the #TeacherPipeline series with their dialogue and takeaways from each LinkedIn Live episode. This discussion will help viewers turn this series into a tool and resource for individuals, school, districts, or states seeking to implement a Pathway or Program for future teachers.
This episode is a LinkedIn Live with Mrs. Andrea Bridges, Teaching as a Profession Program Director for Lowndes County Schools. During this episode, we discuss Andrea's role in leading the Teaching as a Profession (TAAP) Pathway and how she uses Work-Based Learning (WBL) to expand the practicum experience for her students.
This episode is a LinkedIn Live with Ms. Madison Ply, 3rd Grade Teacher at Dewar Elementary, Lowndes County Schools. During this episode, we discuss Madison's experience in the Teaching as a Profession (TAAP) Pathway and how she was able to use Work-Based Learning (WBL) to expand her practicum experience, gain valuable experience in the classroom, and gain 2+ years on her peers entering the Teaching Profession.
This episode is a LinkedIn Live with Dr. Rodney Green, Asst. Superintendent of Lowndes County Schools. During this episode, we discuss the teacher shortage and how Lowndes County Schools is using the 'Teaching As a Profession' program in combination with 'Work-Based Learning' to identify, invest, and retain future teachers in Lowndes County Schools.
In this episode, Mike interviews Jason about a current LinkedIn campaign he launched in his district to feature his Work-Based Learning students and employers called #31in31. This discussion includes why Jason created the #31in31 campaign, how it works, and its potential impact on business and industry. Mike even takes the time to explain how employers who may be unfamiliar with LinkedIn can use the content from #31in31 to increase recruiting efforts.
In this episode of The 2152 Project, Brinley and Drew discuss the National labor shortage on their “Second Wednesday” episode. They provide the student-perspective on how and why “planting the seed early”, tapping into High School networks, and prioritizing quality over quantity might be a powerful solution for business & industry when it comes to their need for employees.
In this Episode of the 2152 Project Mike and Jason discuss Work-Based Learning as a 'Talent Retention Strategy' for employers and industry partners. They also introduce the audience to some of the student talent in their programs who will be in charge of some future episodes!Topic(s) Breakdown:Philanthropy vs Partnership (6:30-9:15)Studio 8 Designs: A Student Success Story (9:38-14:58)Leaky Talent Pipelines: Jason Throws a Chair (15:25-18:33I love Jake Hinkley (18:34-20:32)The Solution: Starting Now (20:33-22:00)Talent Retention: ACE Electric and Langdale Forest (22:01-28:32)Educational Systems CAN be a Barrier (29:12-31:51)Meet our Talent: Brinley & Drew (33:03-37:28Brinley & Drew Preview their Episode (37:29-40:14)
In this Episode, Mike Hassler and Jason Van Nus discuss how Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs can be used as a competitive advantage for Business and Industry. A WBL program can provide access to an immediate and perpetual stream of talent.Other sub-topics included:The selection process for WBL programs (3:57-6:48)The danger of dismissing talent who are under 18 (7:20-12:06)Access to talent at the secondary level: Leveraging LinkedIn (12:10-16:33)Why we shouldn't force the issue with resistant employers (16:35-19:18)
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