SRI examined the impact of a program that combines strong academics with real-world experience. Its goal: help students build a foundation for success in college, careers—and life.
In 2009, recognizing the challenges inherent for individual schools or pathways trying to redesign the high school experience, The James Irvine Foundation launched the California Linked Learning District Initiative. Career-themed Linked Learning pathways integrate college preparatory academics, rigorous technical training, work-based learning, and supports to help students stay on track. This demonstration project in nine California school districts—Antioch, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Montebello, Oakland, Pasadena, Porterville, Sacramento City, and West Contra Costa—supported the development of district systems to sustain multiple Linked Learning pathways to prepare students for college and career. As evaluation partner to the initiative from its inception, SRI provided formative feedback to the foundation and participating districts and summarized findings from the evaluation in a series of reports research briefs.
Co-Principal Investigators: Miya Warner and Kyra Caspary
This work was funded by a grant from the Jame Irvine Foundation.
Related publications
Linked Learning Student Outcomes – Research Brief
Community College On-Track Indicators for Linked Learning Students – Report
Taking Stock of the California Linked Learning District Initiative: Seventh-Year Evaluation Report