From Enrichment to Economic Mobility: Strengthening Afterschool to Workforce Pathways

Join STEM Next and JFF for our latest Learning Hour. This webinar will introduce two core JFF resources: the American Job Quality Study (AJQS) and the Work-Based Learning (WBL) Framework 2.0. Participants will explore how AJQS data on job quality and JFF’s updated, age- and sector-agnostic WBL Framework can inform stronger, more intentional roles for out-of-school time (OST) systems inside state and regional workforce ecosystems.

Grounded in JFF’s definition of quality jobs—jobs that enable workers to meet basic financial needs, feel safe and respected, grow skills, have a voice, and sustain manageable schedules—participants will connect national insights to the realities of young people’s early work experiences in OST-related and sectors supported by OST programming. They will also work with the four-stage WBL continuum (career awareness, exploration, preparation, and experience) and associated quality indicators (e.g., universal access, personalized mentorship, financial support, and collaborative partnership) to assess and strengthen existing OST strategies.

By the end of the session, participants will leave with:

• A shared language for job quality and work-based framework they can use with program partners, participants, workforce boards, employers, and funders.
• A short list of tangible actions each state or network can take in the next 6–12 months to integrate AJQS insights and the WBL Framework into their workforce-facing strategies, messaging, and policy advocacy.

Can’t attend live? Register to receive the recording after the event.