The growth of MNPS' career-based learning program continued in the 2023-24 school year. Some highlights from the one-pager:

• Expansion to MNPS magnet schools for a total of 15 schools served

• 155 students participated in CBL 

• 25 business partners hosted student employees

To identify and understand the equity blockers to internships and youth apprenticeships, Education Strategy Group conducted a cross-site analysis to collect and share findings from the six communities within the New Skills Ready Network. They found that developing and offering equitable work-based experiences was a focus area for each community, and that all are actively working to learn from other NSRN sites and the field. The analysis was shared with leaders in each city to inform future investments and next steps in policy and implementation. 

The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce releases an annual Education Report in which a committee of business and community leaders study an education topic and release a set of commendations and recommendations to the community. The 30th annual report focused on the pilot and expansion of the work-based learning career practicum course as part of New Skills Ready.

The Education Report release, which was attended by the entire Metro Nashville Public Schools Board, was covered in The Tennessean. Speakers at the event included Mayor John Cooper, Director of Schools Dr. Adrienne Battle, School Board Chair Rachael Anne Elrod, and a panel featuring the district's Work-Based Learning Coordinator, an employer, and a student from a New Skills Ready Nashville high school.

HCA partnered with the Academies of Nashville to expand work-based learning opportunities in the 2021-2022 school year. A key partner was John Overton High School, where College and Career Readiness Coach Beth Wilson was an integral school partner in establishing the work-based learning program. 

Beth is one of four College and Career Readiness Coaches supported by New Skills Ready Nashville to create a proof point around creating capacity for career advising and work-based learning supports. This additional school capacity is critical to help more students successfully transition to postsecondary and career.