Work-based learning (WBL), an important part of the 1990s “School to Work” movement, is a core component of the Linked Learning strategy which is now shaping efforts to improve secondary education in California2 and around the nation in cities such as Detroit, New York and Philadelphia. WBL can include not only classic internships and “co-op” placements but also school-based enterprises and other activities in which students produce goods or provide services for other people. 3 The National Academy Foundation, in collaboration with other organizations involved with Linked Learning, has described a continuum of WBL experiences, including a “career practicum” that complements academic and technical coursework to prepare a student for both college and careers. However, discussions to date have not fully recognized the particular importance of the civic sector as a site for WBL. The civic sector, including public agencies and nonprofit organizations, is vital to both a strong economy and a healthy democracy. The aim of this paper is to explain the idea of WBL in the civic sector and offer an in-depth look at a model of civic WBL –– the Y-PLAN –– in action.