2026 Delaware Educators Rising State Leadership Conference
Work-Based Learning Experience

Welcome to the CTSO Work-Based Learning Experience! At the heart of every successful work-based learning (WBL) experience is student leadership, industry collaboration, and real-world application—and this experience is a testament to those values. Built upon the success of our recent 100% student-designed and executed conference, this opportunity is crafted to empower students, educators, and industry partners in developing meaningful WBL opportunities that drive career readiness and innovation. Our conference is more than an event—it was a movement.

Under the leadership of our CTSO Leadership Team, key positions such as CTSO Marketing & Competition Management Team, CTSO Conference Operations & Event Management Team, CTSO First Aid & Crisis Support Team, CTSO Food & Beverage Team, and Photography & Media Production Team played a pivotal role in ensuring an authentic, student-driven experience. These roles not only mirrored real-world professional responsibilities but also highlighted the power of student agency and collaboration. Just as our student leaders designed and executed an impactful conference, this opportunity serves as your chance to engage in work-based learning experiences that are:

✅ Student-Centered – Elevating student voice in program design and decision-making.

✅ Industry-Connected – Strengthening partnerships with local businesses and professionals.

✅ Equitable & Inclusive – Ensuring all students have access to high-quality WBL opportunities.

✅ Career-Ready Focused – Preparing students with the skills, confidence, and experience needed for future success.

CTSO Conference Operations & Event Management Team

The CTSO Conference Operations & Event Management Team plays a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and successful conference experience for attendees, presenters, and staff. This team will be responsible for various logistical and customer service functions, including registration support, workshop management, ticketing, and general event assistance. Members of this team will work directly with conference organizers, educators, and industry professionals while gaining valuable hands-on experience in event planning and operations.

Registration Support

•Assist with attendee check-in, ensuring an efficient and welcoming registration process.

•Distribute conference materials, including nametags, programs, and gifts.

•Greet and check-in volunteers, ensuring they are directed to their designated areas.

•Support conference staff in managing registration flow and addressing attendee concerns.

Workshop Ticket Management

•Assist students with downloading and navigating the conference app.

•Provide guidance on how to order workshop tickets through the app.

•Register students for workshops if they experience technical difficulties.

•Print and distribute tickets as needed.

•Monitor workshop registration numbers and report capacity updates to the event team.

Workshop Management

•Support the CTSO Marketing & Competition Management Team in promoting workshops and ensuring maximum participation.

•Serve as room proctors by assisting with workshop logistics and ensuring sessions run smoothly.

•Scan workshop tickets for attendance tracking and accountability.

•Provide direct support to workshop presenters by helping with setup, materials, and technology needs.

•Direct students to their designated workshops and assist with transitions between sessions.

General Conference Support

•Assist attendees in navigating the conference space, providing directions and answering questions.

•Serve as a help desk for general conference inquiries and problem-solving.

•Support conference operations and logistics as needed, including setting up and breaking down event spaces.

•Provide assistance to the SOLT (State Officer Leadership Team) as requested.

Apply Here

Marketing & Competition Management Team

The CTSO Work-Based Learning (WBL) Conference Operations & Marketing Team will support various aspects of conference execution, including marketing and media management, competitive events auditing, award management, registration, and advisor support. Students in this role will gain hands-on experience in event operations, logistics, professional communication, and leadership while supporting one of the student-led events.

Marketing & Media Management

•Maintain and update social media platforms with real-time conference highlights, announcements, and engagement posts.

•Monitor and respond to messages through the conference app’s messenger feature.

•Support the overall conference app management by assisting attendees with navigation and troubleshooting.

Competitive Events Auditing

Award Management

•Receive scores from judges and confirm the accuracy of individual and team results.

•Complete the Competitive Events Placement Form, ensuring proper ranking, placement, and score calculations.

•Facilitate judge sign-offs to verify the accuracy and fairness of results before finalizing placements.

•Develop and manage the Awards Ceremony Slideshow Presentation, ensuring accurate representation of winners.

•Organize certificates and awards for presentation.

•Set up and manage awards tables at the UD Trabant Student Center to ensure a smooth awards distribution process.

Registration Support

•Assist with checking in chapters and distributing nametags, materials, and conference gifts.

•Greet and direct participants to ensure a smooth registration process.

General Conference Operations Support

•Assist in general event logistics as requested by conference organizers.

•Provide guidance and customer service to attendees regarding event schedules, locations, and activities.

•Serve as a support team for CTSO leadership and event planners.

Apply Here

Photography & Media Production Team

The Photography & Media Production Team will play a vital role in capturing and producing high-quality visual content throughout the Career & Technical Student Organization (CTSO) conference. This role involves photography, videography, media editing, and social media collaboration to highlight key conference moments and student experiences.

This team will work closely with the CTSO Marketing & Competition Management Team and CTSO Conference Leadership Team to ensure engaging coverage of the event, while also developing real-world skills in media production, storytelling, and event marketing.

Photography & Visual Content Creation

Capture high-quality photographs of conference activities, including competitions, keynote speeches, workshops, networking events, and award ceremonies.
Take candid and posed shots of students, educators, and industry partners for promotional use.
Organize and categorize images for efficient use by the CTSO Marketing & Competition Management Team.

Videography & Media Production

Record short-form and long-form video content for use on CTSO platforms.
Assist in video interviews with students, speakers, and guests.
Capture b-roll footage to enhance storytelling in post-event recaps.
Help produce recap videos or live event highlight reels.

Social Media & Digital Engagement

Collaborate with the CTSO Marketing & Competition Management Team to create engaging social media content for platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Develop real-time content (e.g., Instagram Stories, Reels, behind-the-scenes clips).
Support live coverage through photo and video updates on social media.
Assist in caption writing and content scheduling for posts during and after the event.

Editing & Post-Production

Edit photos for color correction, composition, and branding consistency.
Utilize photo and video editing software (Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Premiere Pro, or similar).
Prepare final images and videos for use in post-event reports, websites, and marketing materials.

Event Logistics & Support

Assist in setting up and managing photography & videography equipment throughout the event.
Work in coordination with the CTSO Leadership Team to prioritize coverage of key activities.
Maintain professionalism while interacting with event attendees and staff.

Submit Proposal Here

Lerner College Early Career Experience

A Hands-On College Exploration & Culinary Leadership Event

The Lerner College Culinary Experience immerses high school students in a full day of college exploration, culinary competition, and authentic work-based learning. Participants compete in two high-impact challenges—Breakfast and Lunch—where each school is responsible for preparing and serving meals for 100 students. Teams must submit a complete costing menu, manage supply needs, and demonstrate industry-level efficiency, sanitation, and service.

Between competitions, students engage in University of Delaware Lerner College tours, attend informational sessions on hospitality and business careers, and interact with industry mentors from across Delaware’s culinary and events ecosystem.

Culinary Challenges

1. Sunrise Showdown (Breakfast Challenge)

Teams prepare and serve breakfast for 100 students, focusing on nutrition, efficiency, and creativity. Participants practice food safety and customer service while managing a large-scale meal service under real-world conditions.

2. Taste of Triumph (Awards Luncheon)

Held during the official conference Awards Luncheon, this challenge elevates students’ culinary and event experience. Teams design a lunch entrée, complete a costing menu, and manage the timing and flow of service in partnership with CTSO Leadership Team.

Students gain authentic experience in banquet operations, service coordination, and the professional standards required in high-volume hospitality settings.

CTSO Food & Beverage Management Teams

The CTSO Food & Beverage Management Teams supports all food service activities across the conference—including breakfast, the awards luncheon, and additional catered events. Students gain hands-on experience in hospitality leadership, food logistics, and large-scale event coordination.

Breakfast Service Management

Assist with setup and organization of the breakfast service area.
Stock and maintain food stations, ensuring cleanliness and efficiency.
Monitor food quantities and communicate with catering teams.
Guide attendees to stations and answer questions about meal options.
Support post-breakfast cleanup and reset for the next event.

Awards Luncheon Management

Work alongside catering staff to ensure timely and efficient service.
Assist with dietary accommodations and food allergy requests.
Manage the timing and flow of courses, awards, and speeches.
Oversee cleanup and dining area reset for afternoon programming.

Catering & Food Service Logistics

Serve as liaison between catering teams and conference organizers.
Lead food preparation, presentation, and quality control.
Coordinate delivery and distribution of catered meals.
Ensure all food safety and hygiene protocols are followed.
Monitor sustainability practices and food waste reduction.
Support beverage and hydration stations.
Organize and manage buffet lines for optimal guest flow.

General Conference Food & Beverage Support

Manage inventory and assist with restocking food and beverage supplies.
Ensure dining areas and catering setups remain clean and visually appealing.
Provide customer service and troubleshoot food-related questions.
Operate as the help desk for food and beverage inquiries.

A College-Ready, Career-Ready Experience

The Lerner College Culinary Experience prepares students for careers in hospitality, culinary arts, event management, and business leadership by giving them direct exposure to university faculty, professional chefs, and industry partners. With an emphasis on mentoring, hands-on learning, and real service operations, students walk away with the skills, experiences, and confidence needed for success in college, career, and CTSO leadership.

2026 Delaware Educators Rising State Leadership Conference Work-Based Learning Experience