SchooltoWork

School-to-Work, often written as schooltowork, is a framework that links secondary education with early work experiences to prepare students for the labor market. It coordinates schools, employers, and sometimes postsecondary institutions to provide learning opportunities that blend classroom instruction with real-world work.

In the United States, school-to-work programs gained prominence in the 1990s as policy initiatives. The School-to-Work Opportunities Act of 1994 provided federal support for state and local partnerships, work-based learning opportunities such as internships and job shadowing, and pathways aligned with labor market needs. Over time, many states integrated school-to-work concepts into broader career and technical education and youth apprenticeship efforts, though funding and emphasis have varied with policy changes.

A typical school-to-work model includes four elements: school-based learning (classroom instruction tied to career areas), work-based learning (placements, internships, apprenticeships), connecting activities (career counseling, guidance, and coordination across settings), and cross-system collaboration (administrative structures that align curriculum with employer needs). Programs often emphasize skill development that is both job-specific and transferable, such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving.

Goals focus on smoother transitions from school to postsecondary education or employment, improved readiness for in-demand jobs, and stronger ties between local employers and the education system. Variations exist by country and region, with formalized pathways in some places and voluntary partnerships in others. Challenges include securing sustained funding, ensuring high-quality placements, and promoting equitable access for underserved groups.