Help to reimagine the working learner experience
According to the Review of Educational Research, approximately 80% of all college students are employed while completing their undergraduate education.
Rethinking student employment experiences has become a nationwide focus for educators and administrators across higher education.
Going national
The Work+Collective would not exist without this inaugural cohort of national scaling partners who are inspired to improve the experience for working learners. These institutions are leading the movement to redesign student employment and going all in to make impactful change across the country. The innovative work from these partners is the basis for the wide variety of useful resources available through The Collective.
Inaugural cohort
2024 Cohort
Frequently asked questions
Having successfully piloted Work+ over the past two years, ASU is focused on dramatically increasing its reach and impact by scaling to all 12,000+ students employed annually at ASU. Additionally, the Work+ team is excited about inspiring a national movement by connecting with institutions who are also interested in redesigning student employment on their campuses.
How did The Work+Collective start?
The journey began in 2020 when a singular program called Work+ was launched at Arizona State University. Its primary objective was to transform all student employment roles at ASU into valuable learning experiences. Over the course of three years, this initiative underwent a number of iterations, with the goal of incorporating all 12,000 annual student employment positions at ASU.
As time progressed, the pioneering approach of Work+ gained substantial momentum and earned acclaim within academic circles. This success facilitated the formation of fresh collaborative alliances, empowering the initiative to grow beyond ASU. As a result, The Work+Collective was born, broadening the scope of its distinctive model to scale this work.
What is the goal of The Work+Collective?
The Work+Collective’s goal is to foster a movement of collaborative engagement, where peers unite to revolutionize the working learner experience. Tap into expert guidance and readily available tools to support and inspire others on a journey of transformative change.
Do I need to work at a College/University to join The Work+Collective?
No, you do not need to work at a College/University to join The Work+Collective. The Work+Collective is an initiative that focuses on fostering collaboration and innovation between higher education institutions, employers and other partners to create new pathways for students and professionals. While it may involve collaborations with colleges and universities, it is not a requirement for individuals to be employed by such institutions in order to participate or contribute.
The Work+Collective aims to connect individuals from diverse backgrounds, industries and organizations to promote skill development, lifelong learning and professional growth. It recognizes that expertise and talent come from various sectors, not solely academia. By bringing together individuals from different fields, the initiative seeks to facilitate cross-disciplinary learning, networking and the exchange of ideas that can enrich personal and professional experiences.
What is a working learner?
Students who balance learning in college with earning a paycheck.
What can supervisors do to convince their administrators of the need for change?
Here are some steps supervisors can take to effectively communicate the need for change:
Gather Data and Evidence
Collect relevant data and evidence that supports your case for change. This could include student feedback, surveys, performance metrics, turnover rates and comparisons with industry standards or other similar institutions. Data-driven arguments are more compelling and demonstrate the legitimacy of your concerns. Check out the insights section of this site for more articles, research and data that can support your efforts.
Identify Pain Points and Barriers
Clearly outline the current barriers and pain points faced by student employees and their supervisors. This could involve inadequate training, lack of support, low morale, limited growth opportunities or inefficient workflows. Be specific and provide examples to illustrate each point.
Define Benefits and Impact
Present a clear picture of the potential benefits that the proposed changes would bring. This could encompass improved employee satisfaction, higher productivity, increased retention rates, enhanced skill development and overall better work outcomes. Frame these benefits in a way that aligns with the institution's goals and values.
Build a Coalition of Support
Gather support from colleagues, other supervisors, student employees and relevant stakeholders who also see the need for change. A united front sends a stronger message and demonstrates that the concerns are shared by multiple parties.
Highlight Best Practices and Benchmarks
Research and present case studies or examples from other institutions that have successfully implemented similar changes. This can serve as evidence that your proposed changes are not only feasible but have worked elsewhere.
How can I contribute to The Work+Collective?
The Work+Collective thrives on community collaboration! If you have resources, best practices, data or research that could enrich The Collective, we warmly welcome your contribution. Your valuable input would be a fantastic addition to our ever-growing repository of resources, accessible to all.
The value of integrated work and learning
Work experiences that are integrated with learning and career interests empower students and provide access to valuable opportunities to learn by doing. Inclusive opportunities that provide support to working learners is key to academic progress and building skills that employers need.
80%
of all college students are employed during their undergraduate education
90%
of employers indicate they are more likely to hire a student who participated in a work study program or other form of employment during college
1.9x
more likely to “strongly agree” college was worth it if they had a mentor who encouraged them to pursue their goals and dreams
TheWork+Collective
Be a part of the movement
The Work+Collective seeks to inspire those interested in higher education and student success to engage and support this national movement.
Connect and collaborate
The Work+ Institute is helping rethink student employment. As part of The Collective, national partners share their inspiration, learnings and resources.