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.

We will be accepting applications from higher education institutions, EdTech companies and industry/workforce partners who are interested in tackling this grand challenge together.

Now Accepting Applications from Higher Education Institutions

We are now accepting applications from postsecondary institutions to join the inaugural cohort of the National WIL Accelerator.

Selected institutions will 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

Optional Information Sessions

Interested in learning more?

What’s Next: Applications for EdTech companies and industry/workforce partners will open later in 2025. More details about these application rounds will be announced soon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you have further questions, please contact Casey Sechler, Program Director - Work-integrated Learning, at csechler@asu.edu.

Who is eligible to apply right now?

We are currently accepting applications from postsecondary institutions based in the United States. Additional application rounds for EdTech and industry/workforce partners will be announced later in 2025.

Who should apply?

Postsecondary institutions with:

A commitment to innovation, collaboration, and student success
A core project team (see below) prepared to co-develop and implement a pilot with support from the Accelerator
Alignment with regional workforce needs and institutional priorities
Explicit support from senior-level institutional leadership (e.g., dean, AVP, VP, president)

Who comprises the core project team?

To be most effective, we are looking for each institution to identify a core project team:

Composed of 4-5 people
Who span across departments/divisions (e.g., academic affairs, including faculty; student affairs; career services; IT; office of institutional effectiveness) and functions (e.g., student-facing instruction or services; IT; data, assessment, and evaluation; employer relations).

NOTE: At least one person on the team needs to serve in an IT related role with experience/responsibility for implementing technology solutions at your institution. It will also be helpful to have someone familiar with and able to access student outcomes data.

Is there a cost to participate in the WIL Accelerator?

Selected institutions will be provided seed funding and resources to support early-stage development and implementation, but should be prepared to dedicate time and resources throughout and beyond the pilot.

Does our institution need to have a WIL pilot fully developed before applying?

No. Institutions are not expected to have a fully developed pilot at the time of application. The WIL Accelerator is designed to provide structured support, design sprints, and expert facilitation to help your team co-develop and refine a WIL model throughout the experience.

What types of WIL models will be supported?

The Accelerator supports a wide range of models that go beyond traditional internships, including industry co-designed project-based learning, virtual experiences or simulations, growing micro-internships, embedded employer challenges, and more. Models should aim to be accessible, aligned with careers and regional workforce opportunities, and have potential to scale.

What is a “design sprint”?

Selected institutions will participate in design sprints that will use key elements of design thinking. Design thinking is a structured process for defining problems and generating creative solutions. Through the WIL Accelerator, we will apply this process to co-design new opportunities for students to gain meaningful career-aligned skills and experiences they need to promote success now and post-graduation.

When will EdTech companies and industry partners be invited to apply?

We are actively planning additional application rounds for EdTech companies and industry/workforce partners. While timelines are still being finalized, we anticipate opening these opportunities in Summer 2025. Enter your contact information below to receive first notification when new rounds open.