State Work-Based Learning Initative Banner

State Work-Based Learning Initiative

Across the country, states are increasingly looking to expand student access to work-based learning (WBL) experiences as a strategy to improve student college and career readiness. To help support states in designing, scaling, and implementing WBL efforts, the College and Career Readiness and Success (CCRS) Center launched the State Work-Based Learning Initiative. This initiative is organized around four state-led, peer-to-peer networks that focus on specific WBL priorities, promote cross-state learning, and engage external WBL experts.

Each peer network will be guided and supported by CCRS Center staff and develop resources and tools that support state WBL efforts. The peer network focus areas are as follows:

Peer-to-Peer Networks


Measuring High Quality WBL and Alignment with Perkins V

This network will support state teams and develop resources for defining quality, identifying WBL measures, and exploring effective implementation practices in coordination with Perkins V planning.

Group icon Work-Based Learning Implementation and Scale-Up

This network will support state teams focused on implementing, scaling and aligning WBL efforts through continuous improvement science and PDSA (Plan-Do-Study-Act) cycles.  

USA map icon State-Led Topical Conversations

Ongoing opportunities for presenters to discuss critical WBL activities underway in their state. Presentations provide content information and opportunities for participants to ask pertinent questions to presenters.

Using GIS to inform Place-Based Decision Making

Explore how GIS can be used to inform place-based decision making such as supporting Perkins V planning, aligning CTE programs with in-demand industries and facilitating cross-agency collaboration to ensure the equitable deployment of resources.