Pilot Work-to-Learn: Expanding Meaningful Student Employment

The Work-to-Learn pilot reimagines student employment as a four-year, structured Work-Based Learning Experience. In partnership with Business Services, 50 students will progress through increasingly responsible roles aligned with national career-readiness competencies that support student success and workforce preparation, all funded through a cost-neutral model.

This Priority Initiative Supports:
Pillar 1: Enhance the Purpose, Value, and Impact of a JMU Education

Key Performance Indicators

• A fully evaluated four-year pilot, with the first cohort graduating after four years of progressive, work-based learning roles.
• A validated cost-neutral funding model and a scalability recommendation for university leadership.
• Gains in retention, graduation, time-to-degree, engagement, and post-graduation placement.

FY27 Action Items

• Establish leadership and governance for the pilot.
• Confirm the cost-neutral funding model.
• Design roles with four-year progressive learning outcomes mapped to career competencies.
• Prepare supervisor training and a competitive student selection process, prioritizing students with the greatest financial need.