Article by a Student Author/Reporter
This template article can be adapted by a student reporter for placement in a high school newspaper.
Linked Learning Pathways Prepare Students for Future
By [NAME]
Ask any of our classmates: Would you rather be staring into a textbook all day or go into the community and learn how our studies relate to what’s happening in the real world? Would you rather choose your own theme of study or have one chosen for you? The answers are obvious—and important.
Fortunately, an approach to education called Linked Learning is helping an increasing number of students like you and I better prepare for success after graduation—whether that’s college, career, or the workplace—while enabling us to answer the question, “Why do I need to know this?”
Linked Learning allows us to select a career-themed pathway that provides context for all of the subjects we learn.
Theme options range from “Arts, Media and Entertainment” to “Engineering and Design” to “Health Science and
Medical Technology.” At our school, the pathways include [EXAMPLES].
Each pathway integrates college-focused academics, work-based learning, and intensive student supports. Linked
Learning helps us feel more connected to our education because it allows us to apply what we learn in the classroom to real-world projects in fields we’d like to work in. Many of us know what we want to do after we graduate. And even if our career goals change during or after high school, a Linked Learning education guarantees we will be better qualified and ready to excel in college, career, and life.
The most exciting part of Linked Learning is the real-world work experience in high school. We can participate in job shadowing and meet mentors in our career field of interest. Linked Learning students eventually participate in internships and externships. These work experiences help us make professional connections with potential future employers and teach us important professional and collaborative work skills we will need to succeed after high school.
Our high schools need to give us a strong educational foundation so that we can succeed after graduating—no matter what we decide to do. Linked Learning is a great way to ensure we are prepared for a meaningful and successful career and future.
If you want to be a part of the Linked Learning movement, check it out on Facebook (Linked Learning Alliance).
v2.0, March 2013
FOR INTERNAL AUDIENCES

Article/Op-Ed by a Business Leader
A Brighter Future through Linked Learning
By [NAME]
The economic recession has complicated the outlook for many high school students like you. It is important to recognize that, with good preparation, the future is full of countless opportunities for your generation. The key is to be prepared to take advantage of these future opportunities.
Graduating with the skills, knowledge, and resourcefulness to pursue a meaningful career is critical. Fortunately, an approach for improving education called Linked Learning, now available at [SCHOOL], helps you better prepare for college and career success after graduation. With Linked Learning, you select a career-themed pathway from 15 different options that mirror important economic sectors in our state. You will get a comprehensive education and real-world experience through the integration of rigorous academics, professional skills, and job shadowing and paid internships. By experiencing high school in a pathway that interests you, you gain knowledge, develop skills and make professional connections, giving you a leg up in higher education and the job market.
Right now, California has a shortage of qualified workers to fill the jobs our state’s economy demands. Even though unemployment is still too high across the state, many companies—ours included—have job openings we can’t fill.
We can’t find enough people who have the skills and training that we need. It is estimated that by 2018, 63 percent of U.S. jobs will require some sort of credential beyond high school.
[INSERT PERSONALIZED EXAMPLE OF EMPLOYER/BUSINESS LEADER’S SPECIFIC INVOLVEMENT WITH LINKED
LEARNING]
Businesses like ours are looking for bright students who will become well-qualified workers with the right credentials and experience to help our company and community grow and prosper. A Linked Learning high school education is a great first step for students seeking a meaningful and successful career and future.
[NAME] is a [TITLE] at [ORGANIZATION]. Both [NAME] and [ORGANIZATION] are actively involved in the Linked
Learning pathway here at [SCHOOL].
v2.0, March 2013
FOR INTERNAL AUDIENCES