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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.  |
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Work
Fall/Winter 2016 brought exciting growth for Workplace Learning Connection (WLC) programs in Jones County.
Thirty-five Jones County WLC business partners hosted 69 WLC job shadow students during Fall/Winter 2016, and WLC also added 14 new Jones County business partners. Additionally, Jones County saw a 30% growth in high school student Fall/Winter internships. "We are even starting to see a few students from surrounding counties coming to Jones County for internships," says Laura Kowalski-Bliss, WLC Internship Coordinator.
"Such growth requires and shows support from schools, businesses, and communities" says Laurie Worden, Director, Workplace Learning Connection. "It requires all sectors pulling together to make all of this happen." These type of collaborative efforts have another benefit as well. WLC job shadows and internships are contributors in a student's likelihood to live and
work in Iowa and awareness of local career opportunities. In fact, 89% of students said their job shadow experience increased their awareness of career opportunities in their community and in Iowa. And 69% of students felt their job shadow experience positively influenced their decision to live and work in Iowa.
Those are important statistics for anyone concerned about Jones County economic development. Dusty Embree, Executive Director, Jones County Economic Development believes WLC programs are an asset to developing future Jones County workforce. "Students need to see opportunities to grow and excel in exciting career fields that they are interested in and that have growth potential here at home in Jones County. WLC provides that," says Embree. "WLC provides that connection between the workforce pipeline (our students) and their future opportunities in Jones County. That future workforce is so important to growing our businesses! Jones County has always been blessed with hardworking people that help our companies grow. Businesses want to continue that trend!"
Still not engaged with WLC? Check out our
partnership opportunities!
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Learn
Ethan Wherry, like many high school students, was uncertain what he wanted to do post high school. Fortunately for Ethan he decided to  take an Academy Class geared towards career planning through Kirkwood Community College at the Jones County Regional Center. "We did a lot with "I Have A Plan" and career decision making stuff during this class," says Ethan. It was during this career exploration process that Ethan discovered an interest in DMS (Diagnostic Medical Sonography). "I had never considered the medical field before but it was area that popped up," says Ethan.
As Ethan learned more about
 the medical field options he discovered a real interest in Sonography.
It was also during this class that Ethan met Laura Kolwaski-Bliss, Workplace Learning Connection (WLC) Internship Coordinator. "Laura came to our class and did a presentation about internships through WLC. I was interested and my teachers really encouraged me to try it so I did."
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Connect
Spring 2017 brings Workplace Learning Connections fast growing event: Financial Literacy Fair!
WLC's Financial Literacy Fair is a unique opportunity for community volunteers to work with area middle school students.  The Fair was developed to support two statewide educational mandates: requirement for 8th graders to choose a general career pathway and to learn about financial literacy. This event is the culmination of a year of career exploration and financial study. Students learn about basic financial decisions needed in life and connect it with their desired occupation and related income, all captured on a monthly budget sheet. Volunteers guide students with their decisions on how to spend their virtual money on life expenses such as  education expenses, transportation, housing, insurance, food and "extras". Once students have attended all the booths and filled out their budget sheet, they will meet with financial counselors to discuss how they put their financial knowledge to work. A counselor will coach them through the budget sheet and if skewed, alternative options will be discussed so they understand how to create a balanced budget. This capstone event compliments classroom instruction addressing career exploration based upon skill, associated salary ranges, how to budget, balance a bank statement, save money, and plan for the future.
Spring 2016 WLC hosted over 4800 8th grade students, an 11% growth from 2015, and the event is expected to grow again for Spring 2017! WLC will host 8th grade students from Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Jones, Johnson. Linn, & Washington counties from. This year fairs will be held April 19th in Iowa County, April 20th in Washington County, April 24th-28th in Johnson County and May 8th-19th In Linn County. 
Beginning February 1st, area businesses and community members can begin signing up to volunteer for the annual WLC Financial Literacy Fair. Want to help students apply personal career and finance lessons from the classroom to the real world? Want to connect with students in a meaningful and enlightening way? WLC needs you! Please consider volunteering at one of our Financial Literacy Fairs. To sign up beginning February 1st click here.
"The Financial Literacy Fair is an event I will continue to prioritize for my 8th grade students each and every year. This event not only provides relevant, real-world lessons, it has also sparked some of the most enriching conversations between students. On the bus back to school each year, I listen quietly to the, "I need to cut back on my spending" and "Well, if I wouldn't have gotten that unexpected medical bill" and "I guess I don't need to upgrade my cell phone every year" kind of conversations. I sit back, smile and enjoy the learning taking place. As educators, we are constantly defending and considering the real-world relevancy of our lessons. On this day, there is no question about it, students walk away better educated and more prepared for the real world". -Shelly Bryce K-12 Guidance Counselor Lone Tree.
"The Financial Literacy Fair has proven over the years to be a great learning experience for my 8th grade students. It gives my students the opportunity to take their personal finance lessons from the classroom and test them in a more realistic environment. The takeaway my students gain is that family finances are serious business and poor decisions can have a lasting impact. This is an event my students and I look forward to every year". -Eric Wasson, Oak Ridge Middle School
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Did You Know?
- 61 Jones county businesses hosted students for a variety of career experiences
- WLC served 7 schools providing
- 890 Career Exploration Experiences
- 735 in Events --Financial Literacy Fairs, Career Speaker Days, Worksite Tours; Career Fairs, STEM Days; Mock Interviews; Target your Future; Building Trades EXPO
- 16 Internships
- 118 Job Shadows
THANK YOU JONES COUNTY Businesses for your support!
Still not engaged?
Check out our WLC
Partnership
Opportunities!
WLC Spring/Summer 2017 Internships
The WLC Online portal will open for internship applications on Wednesday, February 1st and will close on Friday, March 31st at 3:00PM. Check out the Internship home page for more information on how to apply. Please check with your school for specific school internal deadlines.
Interested in partnering with WLC to host a student for an internship? Click
here
and click on internship.
Check out our daily post of community partnerships helping our future workforce!
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