Perceived Barriers of Opportunity for High School Students Seeking Work-Based Learning Experiences

The Mississippi Department of Education has implemented a curriculum that aims to prepare students for college and career readiness. Research indicates that work-based learning experiences provide an invaluable contribution to high school education. Many students have minimal opportunity for internships, mentorships, or employment in fields of interest, particularly those students who live in low socio-economic areas. This research study is to identify the barriers of opportunity for high school students in obtaining employment or internships with local businesses in fields of future career interests and to determine if these barriers prohibit students of low socio-economic areas more so than students of median or high socio-economic areas.