Work-based learning is beneficial for all young people but can be especially useful for individuals from low-income backgrounds and others who may otherwise not have access to the career exposure, educational opportunities, professional networks, and social capital that often plays a critical role in career success. Policy support is essential to address the current moment and ensure these opportunities are accessible and high quality for all young people.

State policymakers can and must enact policies that support the design, implementation, and scale of work-based learning experiences that are inclusive and increase access and success for all students, specifically students and youth from low-income families and those from low-resourced school districts. The policy recommendations in this brief were informed by practitioners to ensure that youth and young adults have access to the high-quality work-based learning experiences that will help them transition effectively to college and career:

• Ensure Equity in Access and Success
• Bridge K-12, Postsecondary Education, And Career
• Engage Employers
• Leverage Technology to Better Serve Youth and Employers

Read the full brief for more information about these recommendations, including examples of each in action in the Great Lakes College and Career Pathways Partnership.