Our Mission
The Work-Based Learning Alliance (WBLA) is a non-profit whose mission is to provide all high school students across the United States with access to industry connected learning experiences that develop the real world skills needed to succeed beyond the classroom.
We are focused on addressing the needs of historically marginalized and underrepresented student populations by delivering mobile-first virtual experiences that meet students where they are, eliminating barriers to access.
The opportunities we give students today will shape the workforce of tomorrow, and we are are committed to providing accessible, equitable and sustainable opportunities for all.
Our Approach
Our proven approach to work-based learning is specifically designed to remove traditional barriers to participation for students, schools and industry.
Virtual
- 100% virtual experiences provide equitable access for all students
- Students work synchronously and asynchronously in teams to deliver projects that solve real business challenges for industry partners
Structured
- Programs are designed as structured student learning experiences that develop each student’s technical & soft employability skills
- Structured industry feedback creates greater value for students and builds social capital
Industry Aligned
- Projects are designed using proven work-based learning templates that to align to real world industry roles and tasks
- Projects provide career discovery for students and support industry partners to develop tomorrow’s workforce
Paid
- Acting as the employer of record, students are paid fair stipends directly removing industry partner HR hurdles
- Programs take place in a safe virtual work environment removing student participation hurdles such as geography and transportation
Quality Assured
- In-depth and real-time data and reporting on learning, skill development, participation levels, engagement & performance at work
- Data & reporting is made available to schools, industry partners, designated government & approved organizations
Our Programs
Our programs leverage a proven project-based learning model where students work in teams to complete a real world project from an industry partner. Throughout their project students receive feedback on their work from an industry mentor.
Partnering directly with industry ensures our programs are designed to align to the current and future needs of organizations. They also support the advancement of in-demand industry roles, tasks and skills, and develop diverse talent pipelines.
We look to ensure mentors share lived experience with our student populations allowing students to truly ‘see themselves’ in industry.
The virtual nature of the our programs ensures students are able to participate regardless of geography, and provide students the flexibility to work both synchronously & asynchronously around their existing commitments.
Our current program options include:
50 hour Virtual Internships
(4-6 weeks in duration)
100 hour Virtual Internships
(4-8 weeks in duration)
20 hour Virtual Industry Project Experiences
(3 weeks in duration)
Massachusetts Programs
We are offering the following programs to Massachusetts high school students:
Program | Student Registration Deadline | Program Start Date | Program End Date |
6 Week Internship | September 22 | October 10 | November 17 |
8 Week Internship (No meetings during February vacation) | December 1 | January 8 | March 8 |
6 Week Internship | January 26 | March 4 | April 12 |
4 Week Internship | May 17 | July 1 | July 26 |
4 Week Internship | May 17 | July 29 | August 23 |
Format | Student Registration Deadline | Start Date | End Date |
Cybersecurity Project Experience | September 15 | October 16 | November 3 |
Cybersecurity Project Experience | December 1 | January 16 | February 2 |
CAD Project Experience | January 26 | March 11 | March 28 |
CAD Project Experience | March 22 | April 29 | May 17 |
CAD Project Experience | May 17 | July 8 | July 26 |
Cybersecurity Project Experience | May 17 | August 5 | August 23 |
Are you a Massachusetts educator interested in registering your students?
Our Partners
We recognize that no single organization can make work-based learning equitable and accessible to all.
Our mission requires sustained collaboration between employers, education institutions, industry associations, non-profit organizations, governments and education innovators.
Get Involved
Are you a high school educator looking to increase access to work-based learning in your school?
Are you a state government or state-based group looking to create a scalable turn-key work-based learning model in your state?
Are you an industry organization looking to support and develop tomorrow's workforce?
Join the Work-Based Learning Alliance today and help create a future where ALL high school students have access to work-based learning that develops the skills they need to succeed.
Contact Us
Work-Based Learning Alliance
8 The Green
Suite # 13631
Dover, DE 19901
hello@wblalliance.org
