We are in need of summer 2025 high school internship hosts! Bring in an extra set of hands, increase awareness of your organization and industry, and develop relationships with potential future employees. If you’d like to learn more, complete this brief interest form and we will connect with you.

Kirkwood Work-Based Learning Programs and Courses Support State Work-Based Learning Efforts

In May 2024, the state legislature passed Senate File 2411, which provided state clarification of “career exploration” and “work-based learning.” When combined, these are referred to as “career-connected learning.” Career exploration involves activities such as career fairs, industry tours, classroom speakers, mock interviews, and job shadows. Work-based learning refers to sustained project-based learning in partnership with an employer, simulated work experiences aligned with industry-recognized credentials, preapprenticeships, student learner programs, internships, and apprenticeships.

The Iowa Department of Education recently released the guide “Work-Based Learning Course Naming & Coding” to help schools document these experiences so they can be accurately reported in the Iowa School Performance Profile Postsecondary Readiness Indicator. Schools can provide this data to the state through SCED codes, embedded work-based learning indicators, or course titles. To support schools with work-based learning coding, Kirkwood has developed a spreadsheet of all concurrent credit courses with embedded experiences that meet the definition of work-based learning. School districts are encouraged to reference this guide when determining which embedded work-based learning course should be attached to specific concurrent credit courses.

At Kirkwood, we support our school districts in both career exploration and work-based learning. We encourage districts to reach out to Director Kristine Bullock (kristine.bullock@kirkwood.edu) or their assigned school liaison to discuss how the WLC programs (classroom speakers, mock interviews, tours, career fairs, job shadows, internships) and concurrent enrollment programs (project-based learning, preapprenticeships, apprenticeships, industry-recognized credentials) can help districts meet their Career Connected Learning goals.

School Counselors Make a World of Difference

Feb. 3 – 7 was National School Counselors Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize our amazing school counselors. They are on the front lines with students, seeing firsthand the need for and benefit of providing work-based learning opportunities to supplement students’ Individual Career and Academic Plans (ICAPs). Our school liaisons work directly with their school contacts to establish plans to meet the needs of their students and help connect what students are learning in the classroom with real-world careers.

School counselors are a critical piece of our work and have contributed to the record number of job shadows we have placed over the last two school years. This year alone we will have placed over 4,200 students in job shadows! As part of this program, counselors assist in promoting our programs, signing up students, answering questions, approving applications, and tracking down students when needed. Of job shadow students surveyed this year, over 40% said they learned about the WLC job shadow opportunity from their counselor.

We’d like to recognize just a few of our amazing contacts:

“Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘The best way to predict the future is to create it.’ I love this quote because it reflects what I aim to do as a school counselor: help students take charge of their futures by giving them the tools and confidence to pursue their dreams. I love the variety in my job — every day is different, and I thrive in the flexibility that brings. But most importantly, I love working with students. Guiding them as they explore their futures, discover their passions, and take charge of their decisions is incredibly rewarding.” – Jenna Hardersen, Ed.D., School Counselor, Anamosa High School

“I love getting to make a positive impact on students. If we can help a student discover a passion, or learn how to channel their interests and aptitudes into a rewarding career, we can enrich their life for many years or even decades after high school. What a gift!” – Tyson Wirth, School Counselor, Regina Education Center

Counselors have a tremendous impact on helping their students achieve success. We see how they fight for their students on a daily basis and we are honored to be able to recognize the work they do.

High School Students Can Earn College Credit While in High School — FOR FREE!

Did you know that high school students can earn college credit for free?

Kirkwood Community College partners with local school districts to offer opportunities for high school students to enroll part time in college-level courses. Credits earned through these partnerships count toward a student’s high school diploma AND their future college degree — all at NO COST to them or their family!

Most classes can be taken either at a Kirkwood location or a partnering high school, so there are many ways for area students to get a jump start on their college degree. Students can test the waters with one or two unrelated college-level courses, or complete a packaged sequence of career-focused courses in a Kirkwood Career Academy. The Career Academy Programs are designed to allow students to explore a career and participate in hands-on coursework that can jump-start their post-high school educational path. “Having access to Kirkwood’s College Credit in High School program has expanded my knowledge of the workforce. I have been able to learn useful skills in the classroom, while earning credit in high school and college. With the help of Kirkwood, I feel more prepared for college and joining the workforce.” - Abigail Tierney, student – Regina High School

Whether a student plans to obtain a 4-year degree, 2-year degree, or specialized training after graduation, there are course options for everyone.

Why should high school students consider taking concurrent-credit (simultaneous high school and college credit) courses?

• Big Cost Savings. Dual-enrolled students earn both high school and college credit at NO COST to them or their families! Last year alone, students in our seven-county service region saved over $10M in tuition and earned over 51,000 credit hours.
• Gain Real-World Experience. Students are able to experience hands-on, real-world scenarios, and in some academies, students can even earn industry-recognized credentials for immediate employment opportunities.
• The Proof Is in the Numbers. According to an Iowa State University study, students entering college with prior college credit have:
  • Higher grade point averages (their first semester and year)
  • Higher graduation rates
  • Graduate in less time than students without prior college credit
  • Change majors less than students without prior college credit

Interested in learning more?

• Interested students should first meet with their high school counselor to ensure they are eligible for CCHS programming and on track for meeting all high school coursework requirements.
• Explore Career Academy options and locations available.
• Registration for the 2025 – ’26 academic year is now open!
• Additional questions? Fill out this interest form and your local regional center coordinator will reach out to discuss all the opportunities available.