Early College and Work-Based Learning Programs

This report is intended for schools, school districts, and administrators looking to expand or deepen their work-based learning programs. Download the report or read on to learn more about the current state of these programs and how to expand them. Then, explore work-based learning and early college district profiles.

The current state of early college and work-based learning programs

The demand for early college and work-based learning programs

Colleges and employers have expressed a need for student readiness…

High school students across the country are facing a college and career readiness crisis, with both employers and colleges reporting that students are less prepared than ever. A 2019 survey found that 73% of employers believed that it was difficult to find prepared candidates for jobs, with 34% reporting that they believed schools had not adequately prepared students for employment. Surveys have found that colleges and universities report similar issues with incoming students, with a significant majority of faculty reporting that students are less prepared in critical thinking, problem-solving, and close reading and analysis skills.

…And students are interested in participating in the programs that prepare them

In addition to higher education institutions and employers hoping for more prepared students, an overwhelming majority of the students themselves are interested in development opportunities. In a survey conducted by American Student Assistance, 79% of high school students expressed interest in participating in work-based learning experiences. Participation in work-based learning programs has a direct, positive impact on students’ post-high school achievement, giving students the qualifications, connections, and experience needed to compete in the job market.

Students are similarly interested in taking college classes in high school—34% of students completed a college credit in 2019 compared to just 10% of high school students who completed a college credit in 2010. Participation in these early college programs also supports student achievement, with more than 76% of Early College students from the class of 2019 having enrolled in post-secondary studies within six months of graduating high school, in comparison to the 56% of those who did not participate in early college programs.

The insufficient accessibility of early college and work-based learning programs

Few districts offer work-based learning and early college programs…

Despite this need and interest in early college and work-based learning opportunities, too few school districts offer these programs to students. Students in the United States spend less time in work-based learning programs than those in other comparable countries, and only 15 states have dedicated funding for work-based learning programs in secondary schools. Similarly, only a limited number of districts operate schools with robust or comprehensive early college programs, leaving many students across the country with inadequate access to early college opportunities.

Even in districts which do offer early college or work-based learning opportunities to students, many of these programs do not offer the quality or depth that is necessary to sufficiently prepare students. For example, many work-based learning programs do not include strong connections to employers in the region, limiting students’ access to real-world career experiences that prepare them to enter the workforce after completing high school.

…And many of those that do are not making programs accessible

Another barrier students face even in districts which do offer work-based learning or early college programs is a lack of awareness around existing programming and programs which are inaccessible to many students. Many schools fail to effectively communicate the availability of work-based learning opportunities, with a 2023 survey finding that only 34% of students were aware of the work-based learning opportunities available to them.

Read About the Current State of Programs

Expanding access to work-based learning and early college programs

District initiatives to expand program participation

Developing new programs, with a focus on equity

To meet the increasing demand for skills from employers and colleges and cater to student interest, a number of school districts across the country have recently added or are currently developing new work-based learning and early college programs. Many of these districts are doing so with the support of or at the initiative of states, with some state governments designating increased funding for programs or passing legislation to support program development—34 states and Washington, D.C. passed legislation related to work-based learning in 2023.

Some school districts and state legislatures are taking additional steps to make these new programs more equitable. These steps include removing barriers to access and increasing funding designated for underrepresented groups. These initiatives help students who have been historically overlooked by and excluded from programs to participate, including women, minorities, non-native English speakers, and students from low-income backgrounds.

Overview of profiled programs

Early college and work-based learning program criteria

Our researchers spent six weeks reviewing school districts’ early college and workbased learning programs to identify a selection of programs that meet the following criteria:

1. Wall-to-wall services
2. Non-selective enrollment
3. A significant portion of the student body from historically underserved populations (e.g., students of color, students from low-income backgrounds)

Read About Expanding Work-Based Learning Programs

Profiled districts

This report profiles a total of 13 programs in 11 states, including seven school districts with work-based learning programs and six school districts with early college programs.

• Work-based learning district profiles
• Early college district profiles

Download the Full Report