Student Success
IT Student Receives Work-Based Learning Award
RALEIGH, NC (October 9, 2025) – Wake Tech is pleased to announce IT student George Dale as the college's 2024-25 Work-Based Learning Student of the Year.
Dale, who is pursuing his Associate in Applied Science degree in IT Service & Support, was selected based on his leadership and outstanding performance during his Work-Based Learning experience as a help desk intern at the American Red Cross. He was recognized at a special luncheon held at Flavors, the college's student-operated restaurant.
"Working remotely doesn't sound like much, but I have the pleasure of assisting people from all generations of life in an IT service and support role," he said. "During my Work-Based Learning experience, the IT support call that comes to mind was when I was able to assist someone who was completely blind access their Red Cross account to start volunteering. She was so grateful and appreciative for my help, and her thankfulness gave me a feeling of heroism."
Work-Based Learning allows students to apply what they've learned in the classroom and work for an employer in a position directly related to their field of study for course credit. It is a requirement in several Wake Tech degree programs. Nearly 200 Wake Tech students are participating in Work-Based Learning in the Fall semester.
Dale completed his 320 hours of Work-Based Learning over 16 weeks last Spring semester while also juggling five Wake Tech classes and two jobs. He performed so well, the American Red Cross brought him on as a full-time contractor after the semester was over. He hopes to land a full-time job with the Red Cross after he graduates in May.
"I had to practice excellent time management skills to stay on top of all my assignments in my classes and rarely had free time, but Work-Based Learning is worth it!" Dale said. "If you graduate with a degree, it tells a company what knowledge you have, but not whether you can actually do the job. If you've completed Work-Based Learning as part of your degree, then you can show the employer that you know what to do and how to do it. You can apply your knowledge in the real world."
Debbie Walston, manager of the IT Service Desk with the American Red Cross, said Dale is most deserving of the honor. "Beyond his technical contributions, George stood out for his maturity, work ethic and interpersonal skills. He exemplifies the mission of the Work-Based Learning program by seamlessly bridging academic knowledge with practical experience. He has grown into a confident, capable professional whose impact has been both measurable and meaningful."
Wake Tech is also recognizing a local employer and a faculty member for their commitment to Work-Based Learning:
- Empowered Citizens, a local nonprofit that provides substance abuse and mental health treatment for youth and their families, has received the college's Work-Based Learning Outstanding Employer of the Year Award. A Work-Based Learning partner with Wake Tech for more than five years, the nonprofit has provided on-the-job opportunities for students from the Social & Human Services degree program and helped them earn hours toward certified addictions and drug counselor credentials.
- Assistant Professor Juan Benitez was named Work-Based Learning Faculty Coordinator of the Year for his work to promote WBL opportunities to students in his Electrical Systems Technology courses.
