Opening doors to the future, right here at home

Every day, we ask young people one of life’s biggest questions: What do you want to be when you grow up? For many students, the answer changes as quickly as they discover new interests. At Kirkwood’s Workplace Learning Connection (WLC), we help turn those questions into exploration — and that exploration into opportunity. Our mission is to connect middle and high school students with real-world experiences that help them discover their strengths, understand their options and start building a path toward a meaningful career.

Recently, the U.S. Department of Education recognized WLC as one of the top 10 work-based learning programs in the nation. This distinction highlights the power of partnerships between schools, employers and communities across Kirkwood’s seven-county service area. It also underscores an important truth: Right here in Eastern Iowa, students have access to one of the most effective career readiness programs in the country — an incredible resource in their own backyard.

WLC serves students in grades six through 12, giving them multiple opportunities to explore, experience, and refine their career interests as they grow. In middle school, students are introduced to a wide range of career fields through interactive events and classroom activities. As they move into high school, they participate in more personalized opportunities such as job shadows and internships, where they can see firsthand what it’s like to work in a field that interests them. These experiences help students make informed decisions about their education and future — and often inspire them to take their next steps with confidence.

Our programs are available to all public and private school students, ensuring that every young person — no matter their background or family connections — has access to high-quality career experiences. Every student deserves the chance to explore their interests, meet professionals and discover the possibilities waiting for them in our communities.

Of course, none of this work would be possible without the strong support of local businesses. Each year, more than 1,500 volunteers from over 800 businesses across our region open their doors, share their time and mentor students. These professionals represent every sector of our economy — health care, manufacturing, technology, education, public service, and more — and their willingness to engage makes a lasting difference in the lives of students and the future of our communities.

The results of these partnerships are clear. Ninety-eight percent of students say their WLC experience gave them valuable insights into their career interests. Eighty-five percent say it influenced their choice of a career field. Ninety-five percent report a greater awareness of local opportunities, and 80% say it positively influenced their decision to live and work in Iowa. Nearly half of our interns — 47% — are offered employment by their host businesses.

When young people have meaningful career experiences, they are more likely to take college-level concurrent enrollment courses and continue into postsecondary programs that align with their goals. That means stronger career preparation for students and a stronger, more skilled workforce for our communities.

Workplace Learning Connection represents the best of what can happen when schools, businesses and communities come together to invest in students. As we celebrate our national recognition, we remain focused on what matters most: helping every student discover their potential and find their place in the world of work.

To learn more about how you or your business can get involved — or to explore resources for students — visit www.kirkwood.edu/wlc. Together, we can continue opening doors to the future for the next generation, right here at home.

Kristine Bullock is director of the Workplace Learning Connection at Kirkwood Community College.