Work-integrated Learning Accelerator
Project Overview
Arizona State University (ASU), with generous support from national funding partners, is launching the Work-integrated Learning Accelerator (WIL Accelerator), a bold new initiative designed to bridge the growing gap between higher education and workforce readiness.
Despite a record number of Americans earning college degrees, employers increasingly report that graduates lack the necessary skills to meet industry demands, while students face significant barriers to accessing the kinds of experiences that could best be preparing them to meet those demands, known as work-integrated learning (WIL).
ASU, committed to student success and the economic vitality of the communities it serves, is addressing this disconnect by scaling and innovating WIL opportunities that align classroom learning with practical, industry-informed experiences. The WIL Accelerator champions technology-enhanced, career-aligned learning experiences that not only improve student outcomes but also elevate the value of a college degree. Grounded in years of educational research, WIL emphasizes the application of theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, increasing students’ confidence in their post-completion options and enhancing their perception of the college experience—both key indicators of academic persistence and degree completion.
Key Objectives
National Work-integrated Learning Accelerator Institute
The National WIL Accelerator Institute is a multi-year effort launching in mid- 2025 designed to bridge higher education, EdTech, workforce, and industry through co-design and implementation of multiple WIL pilots across the country. Our vision is to transform education into a dynamic, cross-sector ecosystem that develops in-demand skills and redefines the learner experience.
Selected institutions receive:
- Hands-on, tailored support and design sprint facilitation to co-develop new WIL models
- Resources and seed funding to support pilot development and implementation
- Participation in a national peer cohort working to expand access to work-integrated learning opportunities for all students
We have selected the inaugural cohort of higher education institutions and are advancing toward partnerships with leading EdTech companies to tackle this grand challenge together. While the full list remains under wraps a little longer, stay tuned as we share more in the months ahead!
Interested in learning more?
For questions or general information about the National WIL Accelerator, please contact Casey Sechler (csechler@asu.edu).