Work-based learning opportunities are increasingly being recognized for their value in helping students develop essential skills for better career outcomes. They also provide colleges and universities a way to meet employer demands for graduates with industry-relevant skills, especially in fast-moving technical fields. However, effective models like co-ops, experiential learning, and internships tend to be costly, labor-intensive, and only reach a limited number of students, often at more selective institutions.

To address this gap, Axim is partnering with Complete College America (CCA), a nonprofit supporting colleges and states to increase student success, and Riipen, a technology platform connecting employers and instructors to design and embed short-term online work-based learning in college curricula. Together they will integrate project-based learning opportunities into the curricula of five community colleges.

The project will specifically focus on developing AI-related skills to meet changing labor market demands and could inform future projects in other fast-moving technology fields. Riipen will source employer partners from its network of 40,000 employers and recruit additional partners in high-impact areas, while CCA will ensure student projects meet skill and learning standards. The project will track student outcomes, publish a report on lessons learned, and lay the groundwork for scaling the initiative.