Integrating Career Connected Learning
When education and workforce systems run on separate tracks, students lose ground in the gap between them.
1 in 3
Less than one in three graduates participate in a paid internship. For students from under-resourced communities, the gap is even wider.
72%
Nearly three quarters of US Job Openings will require some postsecondary training by 2031.
34%
Only 34% of high schoolers have access to work-based learning, though 79% want it.
Connect Pathways Through Work, Education, and Community Alignment
JobsFirst partners with local workforce intermediaries—Local Drivers—to link academics, advising, and work-based experiences into a coherent path for students. We bring a shared framework, proven tools, and learning from cities and regions already doing this work. The result: a design that makes the journey from learning to career visible, trusted, and reachable.
Proven Designs for Education and Workforce Alignment
Local Drivers across cities and regions are incubating and scaling solutions that connect education systems to workforce and community partners. What works in one region strengthens the next.
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JobsFirst NYC
Learn More: Transfer 2 Career CollaborativeTransfer 2 Career Collaborative
An innovative career development strategy for transfer high school students most at risk of becoming out-of-school, out-of-work.
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JobsFirst NYC
Learn More: Bronx Opportunity NetworkBronx Opportunity Network
A partnership addressing challenges that limit college enrollment, college graduation, and employment prospects among low-income Bronx students.
What Students Gain When Education and Workforce Systems Move in Sync
Local Drivers use a shared process to align schools, employers, training providers, and community organizations. Each site builds on what others have learned. Students get clearer paths; institutions get stronger outcomes.
By 2030:
65
Solutions Advanced
Local Drivers incubate and advance models that replace barriers with paths to employment.
750+
Local Partners Aligned
Workforce, education, government, and philanthropy using a shared framework.
50,000
Young Adults Realizing Economic Mobility
Each new Local Driver increases coherence and durability across cities and regions.
Latest
Learn how cities and regions are designing advising, credentials, and work-based experiences that produce real outcomes for students and institutions alike.
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JobsFirstRead More: JobsFirst. Built in NYC. Scaling Nationwide.JobsFirst. Built in NYC. Scaling Nationwide.
NYC Workforce Organization JobsFirst Launches National Expansion with Philanthropic Backing JobsFirst NYC recently announced the launch of its national expansion, JobsFirst, during its Strategic Plan Partnership Briefing in New York City, joined by leaders from the…
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JobsFirst NYCRead More: From Insight to Impact: Strengthening Systems for Young Adults in NYCFrom Insight to Impact: Strengthening Systems for Young Adults in NYC
This post is the final installment in a three-part series on the state of youth employment in New York City. Read Part 1 and Part 2 for additional context. In this installment, we outline five strategies…
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JobsFirst NYCRead More: Priority Actions to Increase Economic Mobility for New York City’s Young AdultsPriority Actions to Increase Economic Mobility for New York City’s Young Adults
Affordability is Workforce Development: Priority Actions to Increase Economic Mobility for New York City’s Young Adults Introduction New York City needs a modern, aligned education–training–employment system that works in real time with labor-market and neighborhood conditions…
Make the Path From Learning to Work Clear and Reachable
JobsFirst equips educators with the framework, tools, and partner connections to strengthen local work and education systems—and bring them together.
FAQ
JobsFirst partners with Local Drivers to link academics, advising, and work-based experiences into coherent paths for students. We bring a shared framework, proven tools, and learning from cities and regions already building education solutions that connect learning to careers.
When education and workforce systems run on separate tracks, students lose ground in the gap between them. Nearly three in four recent graduates feel unprepared for life after high school. Education solutions that integrate workforce and community systems close that gap and produce stronger outcomes for students and institutions alike.
Local Drivers are designing and scaling education solutions that connect schools, employers, training providers, and community organizations through a shared framework. What works in one region strengthens the next. To date, 750+ partners are aligned and 50,000 young adults are on clearer paths to economic mobility.
JobsFirst connects educators directly to Local Drivers: local workforce intermediaries that coordinate employer partnerships, work-based learning opportunities, and advising resources. Only 34% of high schoolers currently have access to work-based learning. Our education solutions are designed to change that.
JobsFirst equips educators with the framework, tools, and partner connections to strengthen local education and workforce systems. Start a conversation through our contact page and we will connect you to the Local Driver building education solutions in your region.