Robert Lerman, 2024 Prize Winner
Fellow, The Urban Institute
Co-Founder, Apprenticeships for America
Dr. Robert Lerman, a distinguished economist and pioneering educator, has transformed the thinking of policymakers on the need to widen routes to rewarding careers. As a professor emeritus of economics at American University, senior fellow at the Urban Institute, and co-founder of Apprenticeships for America, Dr. Lerman has been a tireless advocate for apprenticeships, an “earn, produce, and learn” approach that can compete with and complement traditional college education. His work has been guided by the belief that most people learn best by doing and that an “academic only” approach limits career opportunities for many Americans and reduces the competitiveness and productivity of US employers.
In 2021, Dr. Lerman co-founded Apprenticeships for America and has been instrumental in advocating for sustainable funding mechanisms for apprenticeships. His efforts led to significant policy changes, such as California's implementation of formula-based funding for apprenticeship programs. Lerman headed the evaluation of the $175 million American Apprenticeship Initiative, which supported apprenticeship intermediaries and expanded opportunities across sectors like technology, healthcare, financial services, and logistics. His work with colleagues found substantial earnings gains for apprentices and positive economic returns of apprenticeship investments by most employers.
Dr. Lerman's innovative thinking is evident in his approach to apprenticeship, which focuses on building a national system with occupational standards, funding for selling and organizing employers to offer apprenticeships, training for mentors, and support for the off-the-job instruction. His vision for a system that aligns worker and employer interests with in-demand careers has been a guiding principle in his work, making apprenticeship a cost-effective and equitable approach to preparing for careers.
Recognized as America’s foremost expert on apprenticeships, Dr. Lerman has served on numerous influential panels and committees, including the National Academy of Sciences panel on the U.S. postsecondary education system and the Maryland Task Force on Economic Development and Apprenticeship. He has also testified before congressional committees on youth apprenticeship and the information technology labor market.
Dr. Lerman remains a prolific researcher and advocate, dedicated to expanding opportunities for lifelong learning and ensuring that apprenticeships are a cornerstone of America’s educational landscape.
More about Robert Lerman
Dr. Robert Lerman, 2024 McGraw Prize winner for Lifelong Learning
Dr. Robert Lerman, a distinguished economist and pioneering educator, has transformed the thinking of policymakers on the need to widen routes to rewarding careers. As a professor emeritus of economics at American University, senior fellow at the Urban Institute, and co-founder of Apprenticeships for America, Dr. Lerman has been a tireless advocate for apprenticeships, an “earn, produce, and learn” approach that can compete with and complement traditional college education.
