The importance of real-life learning and career pathways

Whether it’s career and technical training or outside internships, hands-on learning in high school gives kids purpose and makes school relevant.
YouTube video

All parents want a great education for their kids, but what makes a great high school? We follow the research, survey educators, and analyze the data to help you figure it out. This video on the proven importance of hands-on, real-life learning and the availability of career pathways is one in a series of eight videos on best practices that all high schools should implement (or at least consider implementing) for the well-being and success of all students. Check out the other videos in this series:

Learn more about our College Success Awards and what makes a great high school.


About the author

GreatSchools.org is a national nonprofit with a mission to help every child obtain a high-quality education that values their unique abilities, identities, and aspirations. We believe in the power of research-backed, actionable information to empower parents, family members, and educators to help make this happen. For 25 years, the GreatSchools Editorial Team has been working to make the latest, most important, and most actionable research in education, learning, and child development accessible and actionable for parents through articles, videos, podcasts, hands-on learning resources, email and text messaging programs, and more. Our team consists of journalists, researchers, academics, former teachers and education leaders — most of whom are also dedicated parents and family members — who not only research, fact check, and write or produce this information, but who use it in our daily lives as well. We welcome your feedback at editorial@greatschools.org.