Work.Learn.Connect.
Connecting Today's Students To Tomorrow's Careers 
In This Issue
WORK
LEARN
CONNECT
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Job Shadows
 


  WLC Annual Report

Partnership Opportunities
 
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Workplace Learning Connection

 

Why we do what we do

We believe in a vibrant community with a workforce ready for a changing world, and we support the next generation as they navigate and connect to our shared future.

 

What we do

We are connecting today's students to tomorrow's careers through high quality, age-appropriate work-based learning opportunities. 

 
Work
STEM Institute
Kirkwood Community College's Workplace Learning Connection in collaboration with the University of Iowa Health Care hosted the annual STEM Institute November 21st and 22nd. 
Over 1,400 - 7th grade students experienced STEM Institute through interactive presentations from professionals in STEM careers within the Creative Corridor. Middle Schools attending this year include:  Iowa Valley, Lone Tree, North Cedar, North Central, Northwest, Regina, Southeast, West Branch and Williamsburg.
Keynote Speaker, Kathy Andersen, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine -Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, challenged students to find their spark. "We have unlimited career choices which makes it exciting and interesting. It also makes it more difficult. How do you decide? Sometimes all it takes is a spark of interest."  Andersen walked students through a simple exercise of self-discovery; identifying hobbies, talents, and interests and gave them each a mission; "Figure out that intersection of love, passion & awe and take it and go make a difference in the world."
The presentations offered were very creative and full of innovation with titles to match: Your Drive Saves Lives, What Makes the River Run, Disease Detectives, Imagination Iowa, Field of Streams, Exploring Extreme Chemistry to Genetic Counseling, Emergency Services/Medical Simulation, Design & Build with ACE and Ground Water on the Move.
Workplace Learning Connection would like to thank all our business partners who generously offered their time: State Hygienic Lab, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, UI College of Public Health, UI Carver College of Medicine, UI Children's Hospital, UI Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Iowa State University, Grow Johnson County, Iowa Flood Center, Iowa Geological Survey, National Advanced Driving Simulator, NewBo Co and Kirkwood Community College. 

Become a partner today! Check out WLC Partnership opportunities! 


Learn
Connecting today's students to tomorrow's careers!

Workplace Learning Connection is hosting several NEW and exciting career exploration days aimed at connecting today's students with high-demand jobs, emerging careers, and even unique company cultures! 
In the Fall of 2016 WLC and Clickstop Inc. co-hosted "Creative Marketing Day".   Read more

Want to earn more about our exciting career exploration opportunities? Check out our job shadow  page! 



Connect

Emily Upah understands the unique challenges of working and living in rural communities. As Executive Director of Benton Development Group she is keenly aware of the workforce pressures Benton County businesses feel and the need to create an environment for businesses and communities to thrive. One way Upah is meeting that challenge is by focusing on partnerships to identify and leverage opportunities for Benton County. Partnerships like those she has cultivated with Workplace Learning Connection.
"As a society we have a duty to prepare students for the working world. Collaboration with programs like Workplace Learning Connection helps prepare students for the long term and allows us to showcase all that Benton County has to offer," says Upah.  "Students are asking for and want exposure into the workforce. I've had interns share they would have never known about all the opportunities in Benton County if they had not done this."  Upah enjoys meeting with WLC staff every semester looking at student interests/requests and helping WLC staff identify opportunities for these students. "Benton County businesses are excited to have these students. They often tell me they will take as many as are interested in coming," shares Upah. "We are very grateful for programs like WLC." 

Check out Emily's interview in the WLC Business Partner video! 


Video
Business Partner Video



Have an impact on the future! Make a difference by engaging now at WLC Partnership!



Did You Know? 

In Benton County:
  • 57 Benton county businesses hosted students for a variety of career experiences
  • WLC served 6 schools providing
    • 1,583 Career Exploration Experiences   
    • 1,431 in Events --Financial Literacy Fairs, Career Speaker Days, Worksite Tours; Career Fairs, STEM Days; Mock Interviews; Target your Future; Building Trades EXPO
    • 34 Internships
    • 118 Job Shadows 
THANK YOU BENTON COUNTY Businesses for your support! 

Still not engaged?  Check out our WLC Partnership Opportunities!

WLC Spring 2017 Job Shadows

The WLC  Online Job Shadow Portal re-opened on November 28, 2016 to accept student applications for job shadows experiences. Check out the  Job Shadow home page for more information on how to apply. The portal will close at 3 p.m. on January 6, 2017  for job shadow applications. Students- please check with your school contact regarding your school's internal deadline.

Check out our daily post of community partnerships helping our future workforce! 




Workplace Learning Connection was founded in 1998 as a not-for-profit partnership of
Grant Wood AEA and Kirkwood Community College.  

Today, Workplace Learning Connection exists as a partially self-funded department of Kirkwood Community College under The Kirkwood Community College Foundation and as a partner of area 10 schools and businesses promoting and connecting career and future workforce development.