A SBIR Phase I contract was awarded to Core Learning Exchange in May, 2018 for $199,182.0 USD from the U.S. Department of Education and Institute of Education Sciences.
In previous research and development, the developers created Core-LX, a platform that hosts videos and resources for high school students to learn about educational topics and to gain skills in career and technical education (CTE). In this project, the developers will create a prototype of a dashboard with specific career-oriented pathways that integrate local opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, and in-school programs designed to foster work readiness. At the end of Phase I, in a pilot study with 90 high school students, the researchers will examine whether the prototype functions as planned, if students believe that the full product concept will be engaging and will provide relevant opportunities for local internships and apprenticeships outside of school, and whether the prototype shows potential for improving students skills related to CTE. The pilot study will also examine whether community partner organizations are able to post information on internships and apprenticeships to the platform relevant for high school students, as well the content needed to prepare students for these opportunities.