[ONLINE] - Designing Paid Work-Based Learning Opportunities for College Students

With a growing number of postsecondary institutions requiring some form of experiential learning, it is not surprising that nearly 3.5 million college students complete an internship each year. However, with the growing popularity of work-based learning, the field needs greater transparency and clarity on the design of these programs to broaden workforce pathways, ensure the transferability of exemplary program models, and support the advancement of equitable outcomes for all students, especially learners from historically underserved backgrounds. 

We invite you to join the Center on Education and Labor at noon (EST) on July 25th for a preview of a new policy brief on paid work-based learning highlighting case studies from five community colleges. In an interactive panel discussion, we will also engage practitioners leading work-based learning opportunities at two community colleges and an expert scholar from the field. We’ll cover the basics of where these programs are available, the steps involved in program development, the equity implications of WBL, such as who gets to participate, and more!

Follow the conversation and provide live questions and commentary on Twitter with the hashtag #WorkBasedLearning and by following the Twitter handle @NewAmericaLabor.

Welcome and Introduction
Iris Palmer, @Irisonhighered
Deputy Director, New America

Policy brief Overview
Mauriell Amechi, @DrMAmechi
Senior Policy Analyst, New America

Discussant Remarks
Matthew Hora, @Matt_Hora
Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Co-Director, Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Panel Discussion
Matthew Hora, @Matt_Hora
Associate Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Co-Director, Center for Research on College-Workforce Transitions, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Kathleen Sweeney
Dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, Middlesex Community College

Stefana Soitos
Director, Biotech Learn and Earn Program, Middlesex Community College