Key Distinguisher #1: Collaborative Design

Institutional design, opportunities, and programs are created with input from all relevant partners – including young people, school and CBO staff, and employers – addressing the needs and leveraging the strengths of all stakeholders. 

Features of Collaborative Design: 

  • Institutions, programs, and work-based learning experiences are co-designed by young people, employers, practitioners, educators and other key stakeholders.
  • Institutional and program design build in ongoing cross-stakeholder collaboration internally as well as externally to increase efficiency, pool resources, jointly address challenges, and maximize the benefits of braiding learning and work for all stakeholders.
  • Institutions and programs are designed to offer young people consistent opportunities to exercise agency and voice in their work-based learning experiences.
  • There is an intentional effort by all stakeholders to uplift the voices of marginalized communities; design for inclusiveness that accounts for geography, income level, race, gender, ethnicity, English language proficiency, ability and other factors that historically limit access; disrupt inequities; and accelerate racial and social justice.