Learner-Centered Collaborative

Grades K–5 Grades 6–8 Grades 9–10 Grades 11–12

Young participants are actively engaged as lerners and collaborators-they're not just passive observers. They work along side eductors, mentors, or employer partners to apply classroom-based knowledge in real-world work settings, exploring tasks, challenges, and roles that align with their interests and future goals. Because the experience is learner-centered, it emphasizes student agency, reflection, and meaningful connections between their work experience and personal growth. The collaborative aspect ensures that youth, adults (educators/mentors); and workplace partners share responsibility for designing and supporting the experience making it richer, more relevant, and more equitable.

ORGANIZATION TYPE

Non-Profit Operator

STUDENTS SERVED

1000+

GEOGRAPHIC REACH

National

LOCALE(S) SERVED

Rural, Suburban, Urban, Tribal

WBL SERVICE MODELS

Workplace Tour, Career Counseling / Assessments, Internship, Cooperative Work Experience, Pre-Apprenticeship, Youth Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship, Registered Apprenticeship, Service Learning

DELIVERY MODALITY

School-based

TYPICAL DURATION

Long-term

SCHOOL-BASED TIMING

In-school

COMPENSATION TYPE

Paid, Stipend, Unpaid, Academic Credit, Credential

STAKEHOLDERS SERVED

Basic Career Exploration Tools, Educators, Network Membership For Schools, Professional, State Education Agency, Technical Assistance For Schools/Districts

LANGUAGE SUPPORT

Multilingual

TARGETED POPULATIONS

Low-income / FRPL Eligible

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS

Yes

CAREER CLUSTERS ALIGNMENT

Cross-cutting Cluster

FUNDING MODEL

Grants, Earned Revenue, Philanthropy

SIMILAR PROVIDERS

Craft Education

Nationwide

National

crafteducation.com

Craft enables fund braiding across government resources– eg, Pell/Title IV, WIOA, CTE/Perkins, SAEF/apprenticeship, etc.– to develop earn-and-learn pathways for underserved learners.

Available in: Nationwide

grades 11–12 postsecondary

Launchpad Philly

Local

launchpadphilly.org

Launchpad Philly offers a learn-and-earn pathway that supports high school juniors, seniors, and recent graduates as they prepare for careers in the tech sector. Students build technical and professional skills through a combination of college-level coursework, employer-led projects, paid work experiences, and apprenticeship-style training after graduation. The program blends school-based learning, hands-on challenges, and paid opportunities that help young people transition into living-wage digital careers.

grades 11–12 postsecondary

Boston Private Industry Council

Local

bostonpic.org

The Boston Private Industry Council (PIC) is the city’s workforce development board and a school-to-career intermediary that connects students and job seekers to meaningful career pathways. Partnering with Boston Public Schools, employers, community organizations, and higher education institutions, the PIC helps young people explore careers, secure paid work experiences, and transition successfully to postsecondary education and employment. For adults, the PIC strengthens the workforce system, expands access to training, and aligns employer needs with talent pipelines. Through these efforts, the PIC works to build a more inclusive, skilled, and economically vibrant Boston where residents can advance and employers can thrive.

grades 9–10 grades 11–12