Early School-to-Work Programs Thriving, Report Finds

By Lynn Olson

Finding enough interested employers may not be the major barrier to enhanced work-based learning that many have previously assumed, a study of 16 such programs concludes.

The study by the Manpower Demonstration Research Corp., released Sept. 26, chronicles programs that combine learning in schools and workplaces from 1992-93, when the New York City-based research group first reported on them, until 1995-96.

It found that all but two of the programs have expanded since the early 1990s. In addition to adding students and employers, many of the programs have branched out into new occupational fields. They also have created more ways for teenagers and businesses to participate and improved...