Dear Readers,
This month we published a new report showing that while most employers (86% of our respondents) believe that high school interns strengthen their talent pipeline, they are also experiencing substantial barriers to launching and scheduling youth internship programs. Their top barriers? Figuring out what work is best suited for interns, recruiting qualified interns, and scheduling around interns’ availability. I get it! It may seem challenging to bring in people with virtually no work experience who are studying full-time, all while remaining focused on running a business. Yet, we (and our respondents) know that building bridges between learning and earning through youth work-based learning programs can bring substantial benefits to students and employers alike. In other words, despite initial barriers, high school internships are ultimately shown to yield a strong return-on-investment—even for employers. (Read the press release for the highlights, or read the full report for the details.)
This month we’re hard at work promoting stronger, earlier bridges between education and the workforce, and I’m inspired to see so many others are doing the same. I wrote last month about rapper Common launching the Free to Dream campaign. (In case you missed it, read this article.) Getting Smart just launched a really useful interactive handbook that cites passages from my debut book in order to explain the concept of “New Pathways” and help students and parents get started. (See their handbook and get my book.)
Career readiness programs continue to gain traction around the country, affirming our belief that everyone deserves, and can have, their own “bridge.” The Oceanside School District launched the ACE Program to provide career readiness experiences to special education students. (Read the story.) More than 700 Illinois students had the chance to explore STEAM careers in the states first CareerSpark STEAM Expo. (Read the story.) Students in Kentucky are getting access to youth apprenticeship programs in a wide variety of tracks, like technology and teaching. (Read the story.)
I’m always on the lookout for these stories. Even stories about a single class, school, or district motivate me—because I truly believe that every single child holds limitless potential to make their life, and our world, better.
Sincerely,
Jean
P.S. - If you’d like to reach me directly, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at press@asa.org
ADDITIONAL INDUSTRY NEWS & RESEARCH
Keys to a Crisis-Proof, Diverse Talent Pipeline? Innovative Youth Work-Based Learning Solutions. (American Student Assistance Newsroom, May 22, 2024)
Youth Apprenticeship Week Highlights Career Pathways for Young Workers (Department of Labor Newsroom, May 9, 2024)
Work, Community College, and Work-Based Learning: Avoiding False Choices (New America, May 10, 2024)
Schools Face Diminished Capacity to Meet Student Mental Health Needs (K12 Dive, May 10, 2024)
High School Students, Frustrated by Lack of Climate Education, Push for Change (Associated Press, May 8, 2024)
EVENTS
Finally, below is a list of upcoming events and recaps of recent panel presentations and podcasts that elevate critical conversations in the youth career readiness space.
REGISTER TO ATTEND
2024 Summer Huddle in Kansas City - CAPS Network (Kansas City, June 24-26 - Learn more)
Uncharted Learning National Summit (Chicago, July 15-17 - Learn more)
Horizons Summit (Washington, D.C., July 22-23 - Learn more)
Big Bang Conference 2024 (Memphis, July 22-25 - Learn more)
EVENT RECAPS
Wielding AI to Help the World: A Tale of Two Teen Entrepreneurs (Read the recap)
Harnessing AI Tech to Prepare Youth for Career Success (Read the recap)
Sincerely,
Jean
P.S. If you’d like to reach me directly, I’d love to hear from you. Email me at press@asa.org