for postsecondary partners
Together, we can support student success through college and career. The Linked Learning approach can bring coherence to the entire learning experience, helping bridge the gap many students struggle to navigate between grade 12 and college, and preparing all to fully participate in shaping civic, cultural, and economic life.
That's why institutes of higher education—including community colleges, four-year colleges and universities, and other credentialing organizations—are joining forces with area school districts and charters as well as employers to activate Linked Learning in high school and postsecondary education. At the heart of their diverse work are mutual goals for improving the student experience and helping students attain a degree and professional employment. Linked Learning advances shared interests in many ways, including the development of industry-aligned curricula as well as supports that benefit first-generation college goers and reduce time to graduation for all students.
Advancing equity in college access, and persistence
Research shows that Linked Learning students completed more college preparatory coursework by the end of high school. In addition, Linked Learning students who entered high school with low levels of academic preparation were 5.7 percentage points more likely to enroll in college directly after high school, and they were equally as likely as similar peers to persist to a second year.
More college preparatory coursework completed
More likely to enroll in college directly after high school
Equally likely to persist to a second year of college
Ways to get involved
Colleges collaborate with local school districts and each other to bring the benefits of Linked Learning to students seeking postsecondary degrees. They join with districts to inform the design of rigorous programs of academic study that align with college entry requirements. These collaborations often center on making early college credit opportunities, such as dual enrollment, accessible to all high school students.
Postsecondary leaders also benefit from understanding the integrated student supports that are vital to Linked Learning pathways, gaining insight into strategies used in high school to meet the developmental needs of each young person and support their successful transition, and persistence, in college.
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FIND PATHWAYS IN YOUR AREA
Access the database of Linked Learning pathways to view schools connecting young people to college and career success today.
