Work Based Learning

The Delaware State Parks T.R.E.C. (Trails, Recreation, Exploration, Conservation) program offers volunteer work-based learning in Delaware State Park locations throughout the school year for all high school students with an interest in environmental stewardship or conservation. The program seeks to engage Delaware students in meaningful, hands-on park projects as a means of connecting academic work with practical job readiness skills in a real-world workplace environment.

Delaware State Parks is now offering T.R.E.C. Work-Based Learning opportunities throughout the school year.

Interested high school students or classes can sign up for as many sessions as best fits the experience they are seeking.  Sessions are offered statewide and time slots are flexible to meet school schedules

We are happy to work with students to meet requirements to earn course credit from their school and are always looking for new schools to partner with us.  

2-hour sessions for individual and small groups of students are available 5 days a week.  Flexible field trip options are available upon request for classes with aligned pathways and/or interest in “trying out” our Work-Based Learning programs

Why TREC at Delaware State Parks?

Practical hands-on work and training opportunities

• Alignment of classroom and workplace learning
• Application of employability skills in a real-life setting
• Learning about workplace culture and how to be an employee
• Communication with a supervisor
• Commitment
• Support from workplace mentors through regular feedback from field coordinators and TREC staff

Potential Projects (all projects include an education component led by park staff)

• Trail maintenance
• Invasive species removal and identification
• Facility management
• Nature center exhibit maintenance
• Special event set up