Neither a traditional college education nor specific occupational training is enough to ensure long-term career success. Today, individuals also need workplace experience before they enter the labor market on their own, to prepare them to navigate the world of work. COVID-19 has put the availability of these critical career readiness experiences at risk, especially for youth and young adults in rural and underserved communities that lack an extensive employer base. As state policymakers move from a focus on relief to recovery and rebuilding, they will have the opportunity to consider policies that can mitigate these challenges and enhance college and career pathways efforts across the country. The Great Lakes College and Career Pathways Partnership (GLCCPP) leaders ask states to better support youth talent development by aspiring to statewide policy that enables all young people across the state to have access to work-based learning opportunities. The authors recommend the following solutions: (1) Ensure Equity in Access and Success; (2) Bridge K-12, Postsecondary Education, and Career; (3) Engage Employers; and (4) Leverage Technology to Better Serve Youth and Employers.