The Louisiana Legislature has established the Work-Based Learning Coordination Task Force to enhance work-based learning opportunities such as internships, apprenticeships, and job shadowing for students and job seekers. This initiative aims to improve coordination among educational institutions, employers, and workforce development agencies to identify gaps and streamline efforts in providing high-quality work-based learning experiences. The task force is tasked with mapping existing programs across various state agencies and proposing legislative recommendations by March 1, 2027.

The task force will consist of representatives from key educational and business organizations, including the Louisiana Works, the Department of Education, and various community and economic development entities. It will focus on several objectives, including creating a comprehensive inventory of work-based learning activities, establishing a permanent state office for coordination, developing a centralized website for resources, and recommending funding and quality standards. The task force is expected to convene its first meeting by September 1, 2026, and will operate without compensation, except for potential per diem or expense reimbursements.