Linking School-To-Work Programs to Community Economic Development in Urban Schools

The author argues that community-based organizations can improve the quality and relevance of school-to-work programs. Community-based organizations can integrate secondary schools into broader community economic development initiatives and keep students interested in staying in school. Case studies of four partnerships between schools and community-based organizations are presented to illustrate different approaches and concentrations for school-to-work programs. The author concludes with specific recommendations for creating similar partnerships.