NCJ Number
196006
Editor(s)
Joan L. Wills
Date Published
1998
Length
93 pages
Annotation
As part of an effort to gauge the status of a nationwide program to help students make a connection between what they learn in school and the activities of the workplace, this report presents essays of employers and intermediaries involved in working with youth and teachers to build a system of school-to-work and changing business practices.
Abstract
The School-to-Work Opportunities Act (STWOA) of 1992 was designed to establish a national framework for statewide systems of business and education partnerships for the purposes of helping students make the connection between what they learn in school and what occurs in the workplace and preparing them for careers and advanced education and training. Under STWOA the Federal Government provided venture capital to States and local partnerships for the purpose of designing these systems and integrating existing models and efforts to create a coherent set of activities and experiences. STWOA will "sunset" on October 1, 2001, at which time school-to-work systems are expected to be institutionalized and supported at the State and local levels. The essays in this report are provided by employers and intermediaries who are familiar with the efforts to implement programs in various communities. The essays indicate that employer visits to classrooms, group visits to workplaces, and short-term job experiences are relatively easy activities to implement in helping youth learn about the world of work. Further, most employers are willing to participate in program efforts. Externships and other staff development efforts designed to provide teachers and guidance personnel with exposure to the world of work are considered among the most important first steps in developing effective school-to-work partnerships. Bridging the cultural gap between employers and educators is essential for program success. This report contains recommendations for building a system and changing business practice to facilitate program support for 2001 and beyond.