At the core of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act there are three basic components: school-based learning, work-based learning and connecting activities.

A school-to-work system incorporates all three components in its operation to provide young people with an integrated array of learning experiences that form bridges between formal schooling and employment.

School-based Learning — career awareness and career exploration, high academic standards, a program of instruction that integrates academic and vocational learning, assessment of academic and workplace knowledge and skills, and ease of entry or transfer between K-12 and post-secondary education and between education and training programs.

Work-based Learning — work experience opportunities and job training experiences coordinated with school-based learning, workplace mentoring and instruction and activities on workplace competencies and all aspects of an industry.

Connecting Activities — matching students with work-based experiences, liaisons between school, employers and community partners, technical assistance to employers, labor and other partners, assistance to schools to integrates school and work-based learning, linking youth development activities with other community, state and federal initiatives.

The implementation of these components will vary form partnerships to partnership; however, the overall goal is to connect schools and workplaces to provide all students with relevant learning experiences, marketable skills and valued credentials throughout their schooling.