Why Colorado Should Offer Work Based Learning or Career-Connected Learning to All Students

The COVID-19 pandemic has created urgency around re-engaging high school students who have fallen behind on graduation requirements and college and career readiness. Research tells us that students who receive mentorship from caring adults and who feel confident and hopeful about their ability to succeed are most likely to be engaged in school. Investing in career-connected learning programs (e.g., work-based learning and career and technical education) represents a crucial re-engagement opportunity.

There are untold numbers of high school students who, as a result of poor engagement during COVID, failed or nearly failed courses this year. Students needing to recover credit, and who may be working in unskilled positions to contribute to their family’s well-being need good reasons to re-engage and do the hard work of recovering lost credits and getting back on track to graduation. Unaddressed, this situation will exacerbate Colorado’s existing leaky pipeline problem, leaving more young people out of the strong middle and high skill economy Colorado offers.

Work-Based Learning (WBL) provides students with opportunities to learn, and feel confident in, foundational skills used in the workforce through participation in applied programs such as internships or apprenticeships. Career and Technical Education (CTE) is career-oriented coursework, or the ability to earn credit through industry partnerships, that provide students with the opportunity to obtain skills-based certifications or credentials. Importantly, WBL and CTE connect young people with mentors and role models who serve as outlets of encouragement and support.

Scientific evidence shows that WBL and CTE are associated with gains in 1) high school standardized testing scores and GPAs, 2) high school graduation rates, and 3) several metrics of college and career readiness.

1) Boost test scores and GPA amongst high school students

CTE and WBL participation is associated with higher standardized testing scores¹ and a greater likelihood of passing milestone exams.²
Completion of applied STEM coursework is associated with greater math achievement scores³ among students with learning disabilities.
Students who complete CTE-focused programs have higher overall GPAs⁴ relative to students who do not.

2) Increase high school graduation rates and reduce dropout

Colorado students who participate in CTE have a higher high school graduation rate compared to all students in Colorado.⁵
CTE participation is associated with a higher probability of graduating from high school on time and remaining enrolled in high school through grade 11², an effect that is particularly strong for students from low-income families.
Students who earn two or more credits within a single CTE program of study more likely to graduate high school in 4 years.⁶

3) Promote postsecondary education and career readiness

The overwhelming majority (98%) of Colorado students who participate in CTE enroll in postsecondary education, enlist in the military, or enter the workforce within one year after high school graduation.⁵
Students who earn two or more credits within a single CTE program of study are more likely to be employed full-time eight years post-graduation⁶ compared to those who do not.
Students with learning disabilities who complete applied STEM coursework have a greater likelihood of college enrollment³ relative to students with learning disabilities who do not complete applied STEM coursework.

Additional global benefits of WBL and CTE include:

Preparation for the transition from high school to postsecondary education/workforce.
Opportunity to build professional relationships and networks and develop transferrable, foundational skills needed for the workforce.
Increased school engagement and reduction in absenteeism and dropout.
Provides students from underserved backgrounds with opportunities for workforce development they might not otherwise receive.

See additional resources (1, 2) for how states can support CTE and WBL in high schools. Additionally, please see this Talent Pipeline Report by the Colorado Workforce Development Council (2020) on the importance of credentials and certifications to be successful in Colorado’s modern workforce.

Are you an educator interested in learning more about bringing career-connected learning to your students or are you a business looking to start a work-based learning program? Email us.