National Initiative To Scale Work - Based Learning At Community Colleges

Work-based learning experiences like internships and apprenticeships can help community college students hone their skills and network with employers, but too few institutions offer them at scale. The best preparation for employment is work experience, but far too few college students get the chance to gain practical, hands-on experience through work-based learning, including internships, co-ops, apprenticeships, and course-based projects. The gap is especially pronounced at community colleges, which enroll more than 40% of undergraduate students across the country. A national study commissioned by InsideHigherEd found that 58% of community college students had not participated in any form of work-based learning, compared to just 30% at four-year universities. Work-based learning experiences allow students to stress-test their education and training, cultivate professional mentors and networks, and develop “soft skills” that help them ace interviews…