Scaling Youth Work-Based Learning Opportunities to Boost Employer Pipelines

A 2023 employer survey conducted by America Student Assistance (ASA) found a small increase in the number of businesses offering high school work-based learning opportunities, from 30% in 2018 to 38% five years later. But many more businesses will have to start offering these opportunities if we are to ensure that all youth have equitable access to these invaluable real-world experiences. For that to happen, the return on investment for employers—the benefits beyond the feel-good reason of giving back to the community—as well as proven solutions to overcome real barriers, must be better defined, documented and shared among business leaders, HR professionals and employees of all ranks. Join this panel discussion for tangible recommendations for how to engage employers looking to provide career connected learning opportunities for youth. Hear insights from employers and philanthropic leaders funding promising models on how business can use youth work-based learning to build early talent pipelines.