In May 2026, the federally funded CTE Research Network (
https://cteresearchnetwork.org/) will publish a report on a systematic review and meta-analysis of work-based learning studies in the United States between 2003 and 2023. The Network was developed in 2018 to inform the field by increasing the number of rigorous studies of CTE and strengthening the capacity of researchers and practitioners to conduct and use CTE research to ensure programs are robust and leading to positive outcomes for students. In 2024, the Network published a meta-analysis of causal CTE research from the last twenty years, demonstrating significant, positive impacts on student outcomes, including academic achievement, high school completion, employability skills, college readiness, 2-year college enrollment, and employment after high school. Work-based learning, from career exploration to immersive experiences such as internships and apprenticeships, is often a core component of CTE programs. This second meta-analysis focuses solely on work-based learning across participants in K-12, postsecondary, and adult education settings. The presenters, who co-led the research, will walk through the findings with attendees, including positive, statistically significant impacts for internships and WBL participants in secondary and postsecondary education.
Researchers, postsecondary educators and administrators will benefit from hearing about how work-based learning has been studied and what gaps in the research remain. Presenters will discuss how attendees can advocate for high quality research of their CTE and WBL programs to understand the impact these programs are having on their students. Attendees will understand what documentation is critical to include when conducting CTE and WBL research, and the elements of their programs to consider against widely accepted definitions of high-quality work-based learning.
Presenters will engage the audience in discussion and provide handouts of recommendations for postsecondary educators and researchers.
