Key Distinguisher #2: Partnerships 

Beyond the initial design, the range of involved stakeholders continues to work together on the execution of work-based learning through formal structures and processes. Stakeholders work together to address challenges—including overcoming administrative hurdles and ensuring stakeholders have an adaptive mindset to work with young people; provide feedback to one another; and provide updates on the experience and progress of young people. 

Features of Partnerships

  • Schools, employers, and CBOs work together to connect students to opportunities and plan WBL activities that are aligned to student interests and classroom learning.
  • There is transparency and understanding among stakeholders on the roles and expectations of each stakeholder group (i.e. educators, employers, CBO partners, students) and how work-based learning activities are tied to the larger goals of the participating institutions or programs.
  • Stakeholders work in partnership to ensure that young people are developing personally, academically, and professionally and that work-based learning activities are also contributing to the development of peers, employers, and other professionals working with young people.
  • There is a formalized structure to ensure consistent communication and joint problem solving between students, schools, employers, and/or CBOs, including alignment and transparency on pooling resources and capacity; overcoming administrative obstacles; and providing feedback on student experience and outcomes.
  • Partnerships are designed and maintained to ensure that young people are included in all planning and problem-solving conversations.