Report: Who's missing out on paid work-based learning?

Today Strada releases a new research brief, built upon the same surveys, that examines patterns across demographic groups and institution types and highlights key areas of strength and areas where targeted support may be beneficial. ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏

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JUNE 2, 2026

In white, text says Work-Based Learning: Who Gets Paid? There is a student wearing safety glasses and an apron to the left.

We know paid work-based learning is linked to better early career outcomes, including higher earnings and greater likelihood of securing college-level employment.

And the 2025 State Opportunity Index, based on surveys of more than 56,000 students, shows that nationally, only 43 percent of students at public four-year institutions participated in one. At public two-year institutions, participation rates are even lower.

Among the key findings:

Paid work-based learning varies strongly by field of study.
First-generation students and women are less likely to experience paid work-based learning.
Students at better-resourced and more selective institutions are more likely to have a paid work-based learning experience.
Quality coaching is associated with higher participation in paid experiences.

Read more

Where we focus

Clear Outcomes | Quality Coaching | Affordability |

Work-Based Learning | Employer Alignment

Artificial intelligence is moving fast, and entry-level jobs — the traditional first step on the career ladder — are changing right along with it.

Join Strada's webinar from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, June 9, where an expert panel will unpack Strada Institute for the Future of Work’s latest employer survey report, "Entry-Level Hiring in the AI Era: What Employers Are Thinking (and Doing)."

Drawing on insights from nearly 1,500 national executives and talent leaders, the research considers how AI is actively shifting hiring volumes, resetting skill expectations, and redefining career entry points for the modern workforce.

Register to attend

News from Strada

WEBINAR: Strada’s Justin Draeger moderated an expert panel discussion about how confusion surrounding college pricing is eroding student and family trust in higher education. The panel discussed new research and the growing support for the Student-Centered Enrollment Management Principles.

INTERNS: With cohorts based in Indianapolis and Washington, D.C., Strada interns are integrated throughout the organization’s departments and will engage in weekly learning and development sessions and receive executive coaching and departmental mentorship.

REPORT: A recent report published by RAND analyzes the most recent Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act plans and eligible training provider lists to assess how well state workforce development systems align WIOA-eligible training programs with labor market demand.