Career-connected learning is an educational strategy that combines high-quality academic instruction, skill-based learning, and real-world experiences to prepare students with the knowledge and skills that they need to pursue their college and career goals. Career-connected learning can be delivered in a variety of ways, including in core content classes, through career and technical education (CTE) programs, in partnership with community and technical colleges, and through work-based learning experiences like job fairs, job shadows, internships, pre-apprenticeships, and registered apprenticeship programs. All students can benefit from having a rigorous, well-rounded education that is career-connected, community-engaged, and student-centered. This fact sheet presents that a growing body of evidence indicates that participation in career-connected learning can promote strong attendance, engagement, and academic achievement by helping students forge direct and durable linkages between what they learn in school and their personal and professional interests and aspirations for their futures.