Apprenticeships for America (AFA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding apprenticeship opportunities across the United States. They have a proven track record of conducting comprehensive policy reviews and advocating for effective apprenticeship policies. However, the rapidly evolving policy landscape requires continuous updates and strategic advocacy to sustain momentum and address emerging challenges.

The specific business challenge that AFA faces is the need to update its 2024 state policy review to incorporate new data, policies, and legislative changes that have occurred since its publication. This challenge impacts AFA’s ability to provide accurate and timely information to stakeholders and to advocate effectively for policies that can scale apprenticeships at the state level. Without updated insights and coordinated advocacy efforts, AFA risks missing opportunities to influence policy changes and expand apprenticeship programs.

This project provides a valuable opportunity for students to address this challenge by conducting a thorough policy review, producing issue briefs, and developing advocacy campaigns. Students will gain hands-on experience in policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategic advocacy, positioning themselves as emerging leaders in the field of workforce development policy.

The project will unfold in several phases, including data collection and analysis, stakeholder interviews, report and brief production and dissemination, and advocacy campaign development. Students will benefit from a practical learning experience that bridges academic theory with real-world application, enhancing their skills in research, analysis, evaluation, and policy change. This project is meaningful for students as it connects strategic challenges in policy and advocacy to real-world career skills, such as consulting, political organization, and coalition building. By contributing to AFA’s mission, students will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the expansion of apprenticeship programs nationwide.