Pathways to Opportunity: Engaging Employers to Scale Work-Based Learning and Prepare Boston's Future Work

A who’s who of education and workforce development innovators convened on March 25 at the Boston Foundation to discuss different angles on the theme of equitably preparing Boston students for rewarding careers while ensuring our region’s economic future with a diverse and skilled workforce. 

Over two hours, the audience heard from a panel of education-focused employers and a panel of career-focused educators, framed by remarks from dedicated funder-advocates and punctuated by a moving testimony from a college sophomore who as a BPS student took advantage of internships and career development programs that spurred his ambition to become a psychologist. Fernando Medina’s words not only drew a mid-program standing ovation but provided much needed hope to all. 

Medina grew up in Mission Hill and attended Fenway High School. Through a Private Industry Council (PIC) program, he got his first internship as a summer job at Brigham & Women’s Hospital. Subsequent internships at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Boston Children’s Hospital opened his eyes to the span of careers available in health care—as a youngster it was otherwise hard to see past the roles of receptionist, nurse, and doctor. But more importantly, he shared, his work experiences helped him “learn to advocate for myself, present myself, and work in a team.” He recalled meeting another intern and asking if he were in a similar placement program. That peer said, “No, my mom works here and got me the position.” Medina realized then: “Internships can open doors and give access to students who don’t have access by birth to these fields but who do have the grit, motivation, and skills to succeed.” He said, however, “My number-one lesson is the importance of community. Not everyone is a competitor or enemy. We don’t have to have a crabs-in-a-bucket mentality.”  

Panelists shared other success stories they have witnessed when schools and employers work together to provide onramps to family-sustaining career pathways, especially for students of color or from immigrant or low-income families. Employers also shared what they look for in interns or entry level roles—"hidden gems, not necessarily straight-A students though not straight-F either, but an ability to commit and show up;”  "communications skills;” “willingness to learn;”—as well as what’s in it for them as employers: “it gives us a competitive edge;” “internships have been our best source of entry-level talent;” “we’re not just filling a spot but increasing retention.”  

These employer-panelists are already deeply engaged in work-based education; the educators’ panel shared advice for other employers and policymakers more generally: 

• “Offer more job shadowing—seeing the inside of the building in real life makes a difference.” 
• “Paid internships are essential, but they have to pay better than Dunkin’.” 
• “Look beyond the major, GPA, or even previous work experience. Look at all the cultural wealth and assets our student bring.” 

But they are pushing for improvements in the K–12 and higher education sectors as well. For example, seeing that most university career services are opt-in and often underutilized, UMass Boston embedded it in the academic advising program. Roxbury Community College is transforming into a work/school apprenticeship college, building networks the whole time, and offering wraparound supportive services. Elementary school–level financial literacy training is an opportunity that BPS recognizes is untapped and holds high potential for introducing conversations about work.  

Whether through high school or college internships, trade apprenticeships, postsecondary education supports, or other programs, the “outcomes data are much stronger for students in career pathways,” said BPS’s Anne Clark. “They help our students live choice-based lives.” But more action is urgent. As RCC’s Luciano Ramos said, “Every year it takes us to put something in place, we’ve missed someone.” 

In closing the session, the Boston PIC’s Neil Sullivan zoomed out to the broader impact of the individual benefits of career-connected learning, noting, for example, “The Mayor’s [Youth Job Guarantee] program has worked, and contributed to Boston’s being the safest city in America.” His words could apply equally to those seeking career pathways as to those building them, when he said, “Aspiration precedes motivation. And motivation is absolutely needed for performance.”