Research & Data

Tennessee has made significant investments in preparing all students for postsecondary education and a career. Research suggests that work-based learning (WBL) is one opportunity that can provide students with the confidence, skills, and social capital to succeed in college and the workplace. However, for these positive impacts to be realized, work-based learning must be high quality, providing students with valuable learning that sets them up for later career success. To gain a better understanding of the current state of work-based learning in Tennessee, the SCORE team analyzed data from several sources and produced this series of memos.

Tennessee’s recent policies and investments have built momentum toward strengthening education-to-career pathways for all students, which is an excellent foundation on which to build a new vision specifically for work-based learning (WBL) in our state. This third memo in our Building Pathways to Success series outlines key elements Tennessee must consider for a future of WBL that enhances student learning and leads students toward careers that enable economic independence. 

High-quality work-based learning is an important component of Tennessee’s efforts to prepare all high school students for postsecondary education and a quality career. This second memo in our Building Pathways to Success series uses data collected from interviews with district leaders to help us better understand barriers to implementing work-based learning (WBL) programs throughout Tennessee. State policymakers and leaders can use this information to provide the right solutions and supports.