Increasing Student Success Through Integrating Program of Study Instructional and Work Experiences

• In Event: Working Learners: Challenges and Opportunities for Theory, Research, and Practice

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that “working and learning” can lead to better education outcomes and employment opportunities when employment experiences are directly linked to a learner’s program of study. Examples of work-and-learning-connected programs include cooperative education, apprenticeships, internships, clinical experiences, and more. This portion of the symposium explores the development, implementation, and evaluation of work-and-learn programs/options at a large, urban community college serving a high percentage of underserved communities and students.

Key factors, strategies, challenges and lessons learned in the design, development, and implementation of effective work-and-learn models are explored. These include faculty, employer, and other stakeholder (e.g., labor unions, credentialing organizations) engagement, roles, and responsibilities; integration of curricular and workplace activities; technology as an enabler for delivery and assessment; enabling and inhibiting policies and practices; and sustainable business models.

The methodologies, results, and challenges of evaluating work-and-learn model/program outcomes will also be discussed. These outcomes include students’ educational (e.g., persistence, retention, course/program completion, GPA) and workplace success outcomes (e.g., job placement rates, retention, wages) as well as institutional benefits (e.g., attainment of course, program, and institutional outcomes, sustainable revenue/expense model). Outcomes and benefits important to other key stakeholders such as employers (e.g., recruitment, retention, reduction in skill gaps) will also be discussed.

Author

• Daniel Ash, Jefferson Community and Technical College