June 26, 2026
This policy blueprint recommends federal and state policies rooted in JFF’s Work-Based Learning Framework to build stronger work-based learning systems that support learners at every stage of life.
Despite strong bipartisan interest and investment, work-based learning (WBL) has yet to reach its full potential as a workforce strategy in the United States. The need is clear: Employers cannot fill critical roles; learners face unclear pathways; and traditional, linear education experiences are are not necessarily representative of the modern learner journey. And while WBL can help to effectively address these challenges, it is too often misunderstood and underutilized—not only by learners and workers, but also by employers and local, state or federal education and workforce providers
As the education and workforce systems continue to change, WBL can provide more robust and effective opportunities, building contextualized learning and working models while also addressing pressing labor demands across industries and sectors.
Rooted in JFF’s Work-Based Learning Framework, this policy blueprint features:
When education and work are intentionally connected, the pathway from classroom to career becomes far more achievable.
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