The COVID-19 pandemic has created urgency around re-engaging high school students who have fallen behind on graduation requirements and college and career readiness. Investing in career-connected learning programs (e.g., work-based learning and career and technical education) represents a crucial re-engagement opportunity. 

There are untold numbers of high school students who, as a result of poor engagement during COVID, failed or nearly failed courses this year. Students needing to recover credit, and who may be working in unskilled positions to contribute to their family’s well-being need good reasons to re-engage and do the hard work of recovering lost credits and getting back on track to graduation. Unaddressed, this situation will exacerbate Colorado’s existing leaky talent pipeline problem, leaving more young people out of the strong middle and high skill economy Colorado offers. 

Research and anecdotal evidence show that students who understand why the things they learn are relevant to them and their future are more likely to show up to class, participate, and succeed. Gallup tells us this engagement and hope is a better predictor of postsecondary success than GPA or SAT scores. Career-connected learning opportunities engage students and provide them with relevance, rigor, and hope. 

Work-Based Learning (WBL) provides students with opportunities to learn foundational skills used in the workforce through participation in applied programs such as internships or apprenticeships. 

Career and Technical Education (CTE) is career-oriented coursework, or the ability to earn credit through industry partnerships, that provide students with the opportunity to obtain skills-based certifications or credentials.

Scientific evidence shows that WBL and CTE are associated with gains in 1) high school standardized testing scores and GPAs, 2) high school graduation rates, and 3) several metrics of college and career readiness.

Boost test scores & GPA amongst high school students

Increase high school graduation rates and reduce dropout

Promote postsecondary education and career readiness

Additional global benefits of WBL and CTE include: