See how GPS Education Partners is driving change in education and workforce development through apprenticeships, work-based Learning ecosystems, and career readiness.
Each case study below highlights a unique perspective—from empowering communities, to enhancing school-based apprenticeships, to strengthening employer partnerships.
Download the insights that matter most to you or explore all three!
Did You Know
Students who engage in work-based learning experiences are 70% more likely to secure employment upon graduation compared to their peers who do not participate.
A Closer Look: Case Study Details
Community Case Study
A Multi-District Initiative in Hennepin County, Minnesota
In this case study, you will learn how one community in Hennepin County, MN worked with GPS Ed to advance CTE and provide career pathways through work-based learning for their students.
INTRODUCTION | Hennepin West Consortium Ecosystem
CHALLENGES & BARRIERS | Addressing the Opportunites for Success
IMPLEMENTATION | Roadmap to a Regional Work-based Learning Ecosystem
- Pilot Activation
- Employer Engagement
- School Expansion
- A Co-Designed Solution
- Expanding Career Pathways
VISION | Sustaining & Enhancing for Ongoing Success
CONCLUSION | Through the GPS Ed partnership with the Hennepin West Consortium, CTE participation rates will be higher than the national average.
More importantly, the pipeline for high-need employment areas connected to a family-sustaining wage will be widened — increasing regional economic benefit and equitable employment for a higher number of high school graduates.
School Case Study
Developing Apprenticeships in a Diverse School District
In this case study, you’ll learn how Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) addressed challenges in meeting state standards for student participation in work-based learning by collaborating with community organizations and postsecondary institutions to enhance internships, apprenticeships, and career-related programs.
INTRODUCTION | Milwaukee Public Schools Ecosystem
CHALLENGES & BARRIERS | Addressing Student Participation in Work-based Learning & Aligning Students with Business Opportunities
IMPLEMENTATION | Roadmap to College and Career Readiness for Students
- Hiring Work-based Learning Specialists at MPS
- Career Awareness & Exploration Activities
- Partnering with an Intermediary
- A Co-Designed Solution
VISION | Expanding Career Awareness Services for Ongoing Success
CONCLUSION | Through the GPS Ed partnership with Milwaukee Public Schools, nearly 800 MPS students attended GPS Ed career awareness events, gaining exposure to 13 local companies, 15 different career fields and more than 10 organizations offering work-based learning to high school students.
More importantly, work-based learning is quickly emerging as a best practice and a leading indicator for success. Partnering with intermediaries to build systems of collaboration and efficiency leads to better outcomes for students.
Employer Case Study
Empowering Businesses to Enhance Career Awareness, Exploration and Preparation for Today’s Youth
In this case study, you will learn how Johnson Controls (JCI) worked with GPS Ed as a work-based learning intermediary to help increase awareness and recruitment pipelines by partnering with local school districts in California.
INTRODUCTION | Johnson Controls and HVAC/Fire Suppression Industry Growth
CHALLENGES & BARRIERS | Addressing the lack of awareness of the HVAC industry with students and navigating the complexities of businesses partnering with school districts.
IMPLEMENTATION | Roadmap to a Youth Talent Development Program
- School Outreach
- Making School Work
- Program Expansion
- A Co-Designed Solution
VISION | Build Awareness & Career Exploration Opportunities in the HVAC and Fire Industry
CONCLUSION | Communication gaps, limited partnerships, and lack of industry or pathway awareness hinder the seamless flow of talent. With support from intermediaries like GPS Education Partners, these challenges become more manageable.
More importantly, businesses must begin offering students around the nation access to high-quality WBL experiences to support the economy at large and to connect each individual to a sustainable and meaningful career.
When you implement a sustainable work-based learning program, the positive impact extends beyond the school itself, also benefiting:
BUSINESSES
By providing solutions to help close the workforce gap, allowing for industry growth by filling the talent pipeline with the next generation of workers.
STUDENTS
By expanding learning opportunities to prepare them for a successful and sustainable future through hands-on, real world work experience.
COMMUNITIES
By creating success opportunities through augmented programming and new connections, thus closing educational and socioeconomic gaps.
Have questions about the Case Study or want to learn more about the power of work-based learning?
If this case study inspired you to take the next steps, we recommend the following:
- Evaluate the workforce needs in your community. How are local high schools supporting this need?
- Reflect on any existing or potential WBL program. What are the barriers to success or implementation?
- Partner with an intermediary such as GPS Education Partners to build a high-quality and sustainable community-based WBL ecosystem.
