School-industry partnerships offer young people access to caring adult mentors, positive role models beyond the classroom, and hands-on learning in STEM pathways. Many students are systematically denied these potentially transformative learning experiences due to the operational challenges of cross-sector partnerships. This study introduces successful examples of school-industry partnerships in diverse settings (rural, urban, and suburban). Using a combination of systems dynamics principles and case study methodology, data analysis identifies common design elements across each site. The findings inform future studies and practical efforts in the development of sustainable and impactful school-industry partnership models.

Hosted by The Workforce Lab in The Center for Integrated Facility Engineering
PhD Anthony Perry, University of North Dakota