By Kami Hyde, Early Career Specialist, Martinsville High School
The future workforce of Martinsville may already be sitting in classrooms at Martinsville High School.
To help connect those students with their futures, the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville has committed to placing an emphasis on Work-Based Learning, career exploration, and college readiness. These educational initiatives are actively building connections between students, local employers, and community opportunities.
Much of this momentum aligns with the new Indiana High School Diploma framework, which directly impacts incoming students in the graduating classes of 2029 and beyond. Designed with a strong focus on real-world development, work-based credentials, and flexible postsecondary pathways, the updated diploma requirements make early career exploration and practical experience more essential than ever.
While students have traditionally spent much of their high school experience preparing for life after graduation inside the classroom, Work-Based Learning gives students an opportunity to explore careers and gain real-world experiences before receiving their diploma.
The focus is on creating meaningful connections designed to benefit both students and the Martinsville business community. Students bring their interests, skills, and potential, while local employers bring real-world experience, career opportunities, and industry insights. The high school’s career programming, led by Early Career Specialist Kami Hyde, is developing school-based enterprises, like Artesian Nation Outfitters, a spirit gear operation managed and run entirely by students. Through this initiative, students gain direct, practical experience in marketing, inventory management, customer service, operations, and leadership right at school
For local businesses, the opportunity extends beyond simply providing a student with a job placement. By partnering with Martinsville High School, employers have the opportunity to help develop their future workforce. Businesses can introduce students to careers they may not otherwise know exist, share industry standards, and identify young talent early.
These partnerships help establish a stronger pipeline between students and the local business community. Connections take many forms: Work-based learning placements, job shadowing, internships, facility tours, classroom presentations, or hands-on enterprise projects. Each experience gives students a clearer understanding of what careers look like beyond the classroom. According to Hyde, the mission extends well beyond entry-level placement: “The goal is about more than preparing students for their first job after high school. My work focuses on helping them discover possibilities and make informed decisions about their futures.” Whether students plan to attend a four-year university, pursue technical education, complete apprenticeships, enter military service, or go straight into the workforce, her work helps ensure they understand their options and gain relevant experience.
Along with expanding career opportunities, Martinsville High School has supported the significant growth of Martinsville High School students participating in the Indiana College Core program. The credential allows students to complete transferable college coursework while still in high school. Martinsville High School has seen substantial growth in this program, expanding from 3 students earning the credential in 2024 to 44 students in 2026.
The growth of the Indiana College Core, alignment with the new state diploma framework, and the emphasis on Work-Based Learning represent vital approaches to preparing students for life after graduation. Together, these opportunities create a broader pipeline designed to help students identify their strengths, explore their interests, and prepare for what comes next.
For the Martinsville and surrounding area business community, these programs create a powerful opportunity for collaboration. The students walking the halls of Martinsville High School today represent future employees, skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Building these relationships before graduation helps create a stronger, more sustainable workforce for Martinsville.
Martinsville has talented young people who are developing skills, gaining experience, and preparing for their futures. Through strong partnerships with local employers, the MSD of Martinsville is committed to helping students connect their education with meaningful careers.