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Experience.Work: Bridging the Gap Between Education and Career

The recent launch of the Experience.Work platform marks a significant advancement in the way high school students engage with the professional world. Developed by American Student Assistance (ASA) in collaboration with the CAPS Network, Experience.Work is designed to enhance access to impactful profession-based learning experiences. This innovative platform aims to connect educators, industry partners, and students by emphasizing the significance of real-world challenges in shaping student learning.

Understanding Profession-Based Learning

Profession-Based Learning (Pro-BL) is a progressive approach to education that focuses on practical, experiential learning. Unlike traditional educational models that often emphasize theoretical knowledge, Pro-BL integrates actual industry practices into the curriculum, allowing students to immerse themselves in real-world situations. Educators collaborate with local businesses to craft projects that necessitate the use of technical and durable skills to address authentic challenges. This not only enriches the learning experience but also prepares students for successful careers.

As Corey E. Mohn, President and Executive Director of the CAPS Network, noted, "Experience.Work represents a pivotal step forward in creating opportunities for students to truly engage with the professional world while still in high school." The essence of this platform lies in its transformative potential; by merging education with industry, it fosters a proactive learning environment that equips students with necessary skills.

A Growing Trend in Internship Opportunities

Research indicates that the percentage of businesses offering internships to high school students has increased, with numbers climbing from 30% in 2018 to 38% in 2023. However, this still leaves room for improvement. Experience.Work aims to enhance this trend further by acting as a comprehensive resource for education providers and employers, encouraging them to collaborate more effectively. Julie Lammers, Executive Vice President of ASA stated, "Through this valuable resource, we can empower young people with hands-on experiences, developing their confidence and vital social connections essential for thriving in the workforce."

Supporting Educators with Robust Resources

The Experience.Work platform is equipped with extensive resources designed to assist educators in effectively integrating Pro-BL into their teaching. From practical guides for establishing industry partnerships to customizable pitch decks and success case studies, the platform provides everything necessary to create immersive learning experiences. These resources enable educators to inspire their students and connect them with authentic opportunities.

Furthermore, industry partners can also benefit from the platform. It allows them to engage with future talent while simultaneously addressing organizational skill gaps. With quick-start guides, testimonials, and insights into the community impact of student involvement, organizations are encouraged to participate actively in shaping the next generation of professionals.

Highlighting Transformative Success Stories

At its core, Experience.Work showcases success stories that epitomize the power of Profession-Based Learning. The platform features case studies that illustrate how students, educators, and industry stakeholders have collaborated to address real-world challenges, resulting in outcomes that extend far beyond traditional classroom settings. These narratives highlight the platform’s ability to facilitate genuine transformation through meaningful collaborations.

A Vision for the Future

By establishing accessible and user-friendly tools, Experience.Work aims to cultivate authentic learning experiences that adequately prepare students for substantial futures. Rather than being merely a repository of resources, it serves as a catalyst for innovative educational practices and robust partnerships.

Individuals and organizations interested in reimagining education are invited to explore the myriad possibilities offered by Profession-Based Learning on the Experience.Work platform. For further insights, viewers can also check out the CAPS 102 | Explainer Video on Vimeo.

About American Student Assistance (ASA)

American Student Assistance (ASA) is a national nonprofit organization determined to change how children learn about careers and prepare for their future. Through equitable access to career readiness information and experiences, ASA empowers middle and high school students to know their strengths and interests. With free digital experiences, advocacy, and thought leadership, ASA is committed to fostering the next generation of confident individuals ready for future challenges.

About CAPS Network

The CAPS Network is a nationally recognized nonprofit working to close the divide between education and industry by facilitating innovative learning experiences. By equipping students with the tools, knowledge, and experiences needed to succeed in an evolving world, CAPS Network significantly enhances career preparedness.

The vision is clear: empowering every student to transition from high school with confidence in their professional abilities while being aware of available career opportunities. Such empowerment is integral to creating a more robust economy and society.