The EIR-funded Work-Based Learning for Computer Science (WBL4CS) grant implemented a three-course, two-year Computer Science (CS) pathway in 20 Rhode Island High Schools. Evaluators from Education Development Center (EDC) employed a cluster randomized controlled trial to study the impact of integrating a Work-Based Learning course into the first…

The advanced manufacturing sector is a key driver of North Carolina's economy, requiring a skilled and adaptable workforce to meet the demands of rapidly growing and evolving industries such as aerospace, biotechnology, and renewable energy. Across the state, and particularly in rural areas, developing a sustainable pipeline of talent for the…

Dual enrollment programs are important mechanisms for talent development and meeting workforce needs through partnerships and alignment between education and the workforce. By allowing high school students to earn college credit--particularly in career-aligned fields--these programs support smoother transitions into postsecondary education and…

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…

In 2019, the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE), in partnership with the University of Rhode Island (URI), launched the Work-Based Learning for Computer Science (WBL4CS) project through an Education Innovation Research (EIR) grant. The initiative aimed to expand access to computer science (CS) education for high school students,…