Strada collaborates with students, policymakers, educators, and employers across the U.S. to strengthen the link between education and opportunity.
We prioritize policies, practices, and programs that help ensure postsecondary education provides equitable pathways to opportunity.
We advance our mission through research, grantmaking, social impact investments, public policy solutions, Strada-supported nonprofit organizations, and strategic initiatives.
All students should have the opportunity to benefit from quality work-based learning experiences, including internships and apprenticeships.
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Learning by working is a vital ingredient to success after completing a degree or other credential. Work-based learning experiences help students make the connection between their education and their career aspirations.
Our commitment is informed by what we hear from students themselves. In a nationally representative Strada survey of college graduates, those who reported participating in work-based learning experiences as undergraduates were more likely to say their education was worth the cost and helped them achieve their goals.
We envision a future in which all career-seeking students can access quality work-based learning experiences, such as paid internships and apprenticeships.
While there is value in all types of work-based learning, paid internships are particularly effective. A 2022 Strada report showed undergraduates who completed a paid internship worked in higher-paying jobs a year after graduation.
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Strada grantee Bay Path University is growing its Earn-Learn program, which gives adult women greater access to career-based learning opportunities. The latest enhancements will offer access to degrees, licenses, and other work-based credentials designed to be earned over the course of a career.
Many employers are investing in their current employees, giving them opportunities to earn certificates and learn skills that can help them advance within or outside their company. In this Strada podcast episode, Amazon’s Ardine Williams discusses Career Choice and other upskilling programs.
Innovative leader brings an extensive track record of navigating through challenges to create effective education-to-employment data systems
Seasoned postsecondary education policy leader to oversee nonprofit organization’s advocacy work with state and federal policymaker
Three-year grants awarded to four institutions will support expansion of programs designed to help learners succeed during and after completion of their degree or credential. These programs deploy a broad range of strategies from new technology solutions to embedded, industry-recognized credentials, which will be made available to thousands of new learners through these grants.
Veteran corporate leader brings diverse range of experience to guide Strada’s legal team and serve organization’s Board of Trustees
Two-year grants will support proven partnerships that connect learners to education and in-demand employment opportunities and strengthen regional economies.
A rich mixture of skills gained in college improves post-completion outcomes for graduates
At a time of growing societal uncertainty about the value of higher education and declining enrollment, the views of alumni turn out to be particularly insightful. This group can provide especially valuable feedback about how their education experiences have enriched their lives, which can help us ensure that today’s students maximize all the benefits that college offers.
The list of benefits associated with earning a college degree is extensive and oft-repeated. It includes higher average lifetime earnings, employment security, greater self-esteem, and better health, among many others.
National Workforce Development Leader to Head Social Impact Organization’s Strategy and Innovation Team
A 12-week internship for individuals who are bold, curious, motivated team players — and passionate about advancing equity.
Amid all of this disruption, the number of U.S. workers leaving or changing their jobs sharply increased. Known variously as the Great Resignation, Reshuffle, or Realignment, the trend has been cast in the cultural imagination as a collective desire on the part of the American workforce for more rewarding or meaningful work.
New Study from Strada Education Network Reveals a Silver Lining at a Challenging Time
Delaware State sophomore accounting major eyes and a different career path after viewing a wealth of options.
Sophomore engineering ‘rock star’ learns to become a leader while following in the HBCU grad footsteps of his parents and brother.
As a natural leader, student embraces opportunities to work in her field and build campus community
With a passion for writing and teaching, student seeks ways to teach while she’s still learning