PLA University, dba Skilled US

Grades 11–12 Postsecondary
The program gives young people opportunities to gain real work experience in growing industries while receiving training and mentorship. Students connect with employers and learn technical skills workplace expectations, and professional habits to help them prepare for future jobs. The focus is on making sure what they learn applies directly to career-pathways, supported by the organization's relationship with industry partners.
ORGANIZATION TYPE
Non-Profit Operator
STUDENTS SERVED
1000+
GEOGRAPHIC REACH
Regional
LOCALE(S) SERVED
Urban
WBL SERVICE MODELS
Career Fair / Career Day, Industry Speaker, Workplace Tour, Career Counseling / Assessments, Job Shadowing, Mentorship, Internship
DELIVERY MODALITY
Community-based
TYPICAL DURATION
Medium-term
SCHOOL-BASED TIMING
In-school
COMPENSATION TYPE
Unpaid, Credential
STAKEHOLDERS SERVED
Basic Career Exploration Tools, Educators, Employers, Families, Network Membership For Schools, Students, Technical Assistance For Schools/Districts
LANGUAGE SUPPORT
English Only
TARGETED POPULATIONS
Low-income / FRPL Eligible
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS
No
CAREER CLUSTERS ALIGNMENT
Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Digital Technology, Energy & Natural Resources, Financial Services, Healthcare & Human Services, Hospitality, Events, & Tourism, Management & Entrepreneurship, Supply Chain & Transportation
FUNDING MODEL
Grants, Philanthropy

SIMILAR PROVIDERS

Craft Education

Nationwide
National

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
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Launchpad Philly

Local

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
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Boston Private Industry Council

Local

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
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