Bridging Education and Employment for High School Students: A New Path Forward

Bridging Education and Employment for High School Students: A New Path Forward

High school students today face unprecedented challenges—many are not only balancing coursework but also taking on adult responsibilities at home. The Urban Institute’s research highlights the urgent need for flexible educational systems that align with workforce demands. Their report, Making Education and Employment Work for High School Students, presents innovative solutions to ensure students can succeed academically while gaining valuable work experience.

Why We Need Change

Many students from low-income families contribute significantly to their household income. However, traditional school structures do not accommodate their needs, often forcing them into alternative programs or pushing them out of the education system altogether. Key findings from the report show that:

• Working students contribute up to 22% of their household income.

• Chronic absenteeism is common due to work or family obligations.

• Rigid school schedules make it difficult for students to balance school and employment.

The report suggests innovative education models to create equitable opportunities for students who need to work while completing their high school education.

Key Strategies for Success

1. Making Schools More Flexible

Traditional education models operate on rigid schedules that don’t reflect students’ diverse needs. Some solutions include:

• Flexible Schedules – Offering evening, weekend, and summer classes.

• Competency-Based Learning – Allowing students to earn credits through work experience.

• Blended Learning Models – Combining online and in-person coursework to maximize flexibility.

🔹 Example: Texas’ Optional Flexible School Day Program allows students to attend school in a way that fits their schedules, improving graduation rates for working students.

2. Strengthening Career & Technical Education (CTE)

Many CTE programs fail to offer paid work experience, making it difficult for students with financial obligations to participate. To improve access, schools should:

• Integrate Paid Internships & Apprenticeships – Collaborate with employers to provide meaningful, paid job experiences.

• Recognize Work for Academic Credit – Award high school credits for industry-aligned jobs.

• Support Employer Partnerships – Provide tax incentives for businesses that hire high school students.

🔹 Example: South Carolina’s Youth Apprenticeship Program connects students with paid job training, leading to both high school diplomas and industry certifications.

3. Providing Stronger Student Support Systems

Students juggling school and work need more than just schedule flexibility. Schools must invest in:

• Mentorship Programs – Pair students with teachers or community members for guidance.

• Career Counseling & Job Placement – Offer structured job search assistance.

• Mental Health & Wellness Support – Ensure working students have access to counseling services.

🔹 Example: New York City’s Community Schools Initiative provides real-time attendance monitoring to connect at-risk students with caring adults before they fall behind.

Looking Forward: A Call to Action

The education system must evolve to support students in balancing school and work. By embracing flexible schedules, career-aligned learning, and holistic support systems, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Policymakers, educators, and employers must work together to implement these student-centered reforms, creating a pathway to both graduation and meaningful employment.

This blog post is based on insights from the Urban Institute’s research report Making Education and Employment Work for High School Students. For more details, visit Urban Institute.