Strada Education Foundation Co-op: Work-Based Learning Team

Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid: Tuesdays + one additional day/week)

Compensation: $25/hr (undergraduate), $28/hr (graduate)

Hours: 30–35/week

Duration: 4–6 months

Travel: Up to 15% (fully covered by Strada including flights, hotel, and meals)

Housing: Co-op participants are responsible for securing their own housing during the program

Are you a current postsecondary student with a passion for connecting education and employment? Strada Education Foundation is seeking a motivated co-op student to join our Work-Based Learning (WBL) team. This role is ideal for a current postsecondary student interested in the intersection of education, workforce development, and policy. Co-ops at Strada work on meaningful, high-impact projects while gaining exposure to nonprofit operations, leadership, and cross-functional teams.

About Strada Education Foundation:

Strada Education Foundation advances programs, policies, and partnerships that strengthen connections between education and employment—particularly for learners who have historically faced barriers to opportunity. Strada’s strategic plan focuses on five areas: clear outcomes, affordability, quality coaching, work-based learning, and employer alignment. We partner with education institutions, nonprofits, employers, startups, and policymakers to improve economic mobility for all learners.

• Design and document a step-by-step consulting process for the Work-Based Learning team to support states in expanding high-quality work-based learning. This may also include supporting Strada’s Quality Coaching and Affordability teams who do similar work.
• Develop a comprehensive, organized resource repository to be used in delivering effective state technical assistance.
• Monitor the emerging landscape of artificial intelligence as it relates to work-based learning, policy, and workforce development, and test new artificial intelligence tools for potential applications in scaling work-based learning.
• Conduct research on state-level policies, laws, and appropriations related to the support and elevation of work-based learning across the U.S.
• Contribute to a landscape analysis on policies that enable or support Quality Coaching initiatives, collaborating with relevant Strada strategic pillar teams.
• Conduct in-depth research on innovative and equitable work-based learning models and synthesize findings into policy briefs, internal reports, and practical resources (e.g., case studies, best-practice guides).

• Process & Resource Development (30%)
• Design and document a step-by-step technical assistance process for supporting states as they expand high-quality work-based learning.
• Develop an organized, comprehensive resource repository to support state-facing technical assistance.
• AI Exploration & Applied Innovation (20%)
• Monitor emerging developments in artificial intelligence relevant to work-based learning, career pathways, and workforce policy.
• Test and evaluate AI tools for potential application in scaling work-based learning initiatives.
• Policy Research & State Landscape Analysis (30%)
• Conduct research on state-level policies, laws, and appropriations related to work-based learning.
• Support landscape analyses on policies that advance Quality Coaching initiatives, collaborating with other Strada pillar teams.
• Model Research & Content Development (20%)
• Conduct in-depth research on innovative, equitable work-based learning models.
• Synthesize findings into policy briefs, internal reports, case studies, and best-practice guides.
• The Strada co-op program offers a paid, long-term, hands-on learning experience for students who are at least two years post-high school. This opportunity is ideal for those seeking to gain substantive, full-time experience in social impact while executing meaningful functional work and applying academic knowledge in a professional setting.
• As a member of the Work-Based Learning team, the co-op student will gain deep exposure to nonprofit operations, engage with leadership, and build a professional network spanning the nonprofit and for-profit sectors. The co-op will work on impactful, long-duration projects and receive direct support and mentorship from their supervisor and team members.
• The co-op term is expected to run for 4-6 months, but the duration is negotiable to align with academic requirements. The co-op student must be based in Washington, DC, available for the entire duration of the co-op, and will work out of Strada’s DC office at least two days per week (Tuesdays and one other department-specific day). There will be opportunities to travel to relevant conferences or workshops throughout the program.

• Strada’s co-op is designed to maximize professional growth through three key pillars:
• Exposure: Participate in leadership meetings, cross-functional working sessions, and industry interviews, gaining deep insight into nonprofit, postsecondary education, and workforce development.
• High-Impact Work: Lead long-term projects in state policy analysis, AI application, and process design, that directly contribute to Strada's strategic goals.
• Mentorship & Networking: Work directly with experienced leaders, receive structured feedback, and build a professional network spanning nonprofits, higher education, and workforce organizations.

• At least two years out of high school and currently enrolled in a postsecondary education program at a college or university
• Demonstrated ability to learn quickly and contribute in a collaborative environment.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to summarize complex research clearly (e.g., policy, AI).
• Excellent attention to detail, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office; familiarity with Zoom and Slack is a plus.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently while being open to feedback.
• Passionate about promoting equitable opportunities in education and employment.

Application Instructions

To apply for the Strada Education Foundation Co-op please:

1. Answer the Application Questions

2. Attach Your Resume 

3. Submit a Cover Letter detailing your interest in this co-op and Strada’s mission