High School-to-Work Research Portfolio

Student pathways after high school are seldom linear. Many young adults transition between various higher educational institutions, training programs, and jobs a number of times before arriving at a long-term career. This study will describe pathways that Illinois high school graduates take to work, including pathways through four-year colleges, community colleges, certificate programs, and/or work-based learning experiences. After mapping these pathways, we will analyze how they relate to education and employment outcomes. By understanding the nature of Illinoisan student trajectories from high school to work, we can identify opportunities for supporting more students in attaining their education and career goals.