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Reaching Every Student

Career-based learning experiences (CBLEs) give students a powerful way to explore careers and build skills for life after graduation. But simply making CBLEs available isn’t enough. Schools must take intentional steps to make sure every student — regardless of background, ability, or circumstance — is aware of these opportunities, sees a place for themselves, and has the support needed to participate. 

Moving Beyond Availability 

Access to CBLEs varies based on where students live, how information is shared, and how participation is determined. Without strong systems in place, some students may miss out due to: 

  • Limited transportation 
  • Lack of family or community support 
  • Restrictive eligibility criteria 
  • Inaccessible communication or outreach 
  • School policies that unintentionally create barriers 

Policies that Support Students 

Build a Clear Program Vision 

Develop a vision statement for your CBLEs and work-based learning programs that clearly connects to the school’s overarching vision, emphasizes career exploration, and provides opportunity for all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability. 

Build Career Connections for Every Student

Encourage or require students to participate in at least one CBLE at every grade level. 

Participation Criteria and Selection Processes

Relying solely on teacher recommendations, grades, or other subjective criteria may unintentionally limit access. Whenever possible, offer open enrollment or create flexible eligibility pathways so all interested students can participate. At minimum, schools must have a policy to annually review participation criteria to ensure it does not have the purpose or effect of disproportionately excluding students of a particular race, color, national origin, sex, or disability from taking advantage of these opportunities. 

Review Marketing Materials Annually

Review CBLE and WBL marketing materials, policies, and procedures annually for potential barriers. Seek student feedback regularly to identify hidden challenges and improve program practices. At minimum, schools must have a policy to review marketing materials annually to ensure they do not directly or indirectly disproportionately exclude students of a particular race, color, national origin, sex, or disability from taking advantage of these opportunities. 

Review Employer Partnership Agreements

Ensure employer partners commit to fair and objective supervision, evaluation, and coaching of student workers. At minimum, schools must: 

  • Monitor and keep records of the employment practices of partnering and prospective employers to ensure they do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in recruitment, hiring/firing, placement, assignment of work tasks, hours of employment, and levels of responsibility, pay, or other conditions of employment. 
  • Add an adequate nondiscrimination statement into all employer partnership agreements to ensure that employers and prospective employers do not discriminate against students on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability in recruitment, hiring/firing, placement, assignment of work tasks, hours of employment, levels of responsibility, pay, or other conditions of employment. 

Practices that Support Students

Use Participation Data to Inform Change

Use disaggregated student data to review who is — and isn’t — participating in CBLEs. Focus on patterns related to students' backgrounds, such as family income, disability status, or primary language spoken at home. When gaps in participation appear, explore why and research evidence-based solutions that may address the gap.

Engage Students and Families in Planning

Include students and families — especially those not traditionally represented — in CBLE design and decision-making. Advisory groups, surveys, and open forums can offer valuable insights. 

  Resources: 

Create Customized Communications

Create communication and outreach strategies that are tailored to any student groups that are not currently participating in your CBLEs or WBL program.

Provide Systems of Support

Identify and connect students to support and resources that will help make the CBLE a positive experience.    

Practices that Support Adults

Support Staff in Student Engagement

Provide professional development to help staff build relationships with students, recognize student interests and strengths, and connect students to CBLE opportunities. 

Partner with a Wide Range of Employers

Intentionally seek partnerships with businesses that reflect a variety of industries and workforce backgrounds. Prioritize companies that demonstrate strong support for mentorship, training, and inclusive practices for young workers. 

Set Clear Employer Expectations

Set clear expectations that employment decisions will be based on job-related criteria, and that constructive feedback will be provided whenever needed.

Prepare Employer Mentors

Offer training for employer mentors working with high school students to set collaborative goals and create supportive work experiences. Focus on building understanding around supporting youth development and managing cultural differences.