Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a proven method of bridging the gap between education and work in ways that provide lasting value for both learners and employers. Yet, according to recent data from the State Opportunity Index, access to quality, paid work-based learning experiences such as internships and apprenticeships, continue to be limited for many learners. One major challenge to scaling work-based learning experiences is unlocking the barriers to entry for employers, especially for small and medium sized businesses.
In this session, we will take a deeper dive into what those employer barriers are, and offer solutions for how to reduce these barriers, including highlighting the U.S. Chamber Foundation's Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) initiative, Britebound's CareerReadyHQ, and Strada Education Foundation’s framework for intermediaries.
Featuring:
Susie Lantz, Chief Executive Officer, San Clemente Chamber of Commerce
Laura Love, Senior Vice President, Work-Based Learning, Strada Education Foundation
Judy Spitz, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Break Through Tech
Liz Texeira, Vice President, Social Impact, Britebound
Sarah Castro, Executive Director, Programs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Moderated by Joseph Davis, Director, Communications, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a proven method of bridging the gap between education and work in ways that provide lasting value for both learners and employers. Yet, according to recent data from the State Opportunity Index, access to quality, paid work-based learning experiences such as internships and apprenticeships, continue to be limited for many learners. One major challenge to scaling work-based learning experiences is unlocking the barriers to entry for employers, especially for small and medium sized businesses.
In this session, we will take a deeper dive into what those employer barriers are, and offer solutions for how to reduce these barriers, including highlighting the U.S. Chamber Foundation's Employer Provided Innovation Challenges (EPIC) initiative, Britebound's CareerReadyHQ, and Strada Education Foundation’s framework for intermediaries.
Featuring:
Susie Lantz, Chief Executive Officer, San Clemente Chamber of Commerce
Laura Love, Senior Vice President, Work-Based Learning, Strada Education Foundation
Judy Spitz, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Break Through Tech
Liz Texeira, Vice President, Social Impact, Britebound
Sarah Castro, Executive Director, Programs, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Moderated by Joseph Davis, Director, Communications, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
