Workplace Learning Connection

04/07/2026

"Last summer, I participated in a Particle Physics Internship through WLC. I entered nervous and worried that it would be too difficult or I would do something wrong, but after I completed my 40 hours, I felt way more confident in my ability to problem solve, and actually apply what I learned in school to a future career in STEM. In fact, I became way more comfortable with not knowing all the answers and experiencing new things. I hope to do another WLC internship this summer to build on that experience." - Dede Noupougbe, West High School

Department of Physics & Astronomy, The University of Iowa Iowa City West High School

04/06/2026

WLC Partner Spotlight

Modus Engineering has been an invaluable WLC partner for the last five years, helping students explore careers in mechanical and electrical engineering. They have hosted 14 interns and 33 job shadow students in this high interest field. We are so appreciative of their continued support.

“We value the opportunity to help students see what engineering looks like beyond the classroom. Through job shadowing and abbreviated internships, we can provide practical insight into the daily work and collaboration that define our industry. Partnering with WLC helps connect students to real-world experiences at the right time in their career exploration.” – Jared Heidemann – director, Business Development and Marketing

MODUS

04/02/2026

Taking learning outside the classroom!

Last week, Miron Construction Co., Inc. hosted a Construction Showcase for students from Clear Creek Amana and Williamsburg. We were happy to collaborate on this hands-on event.

Students were able to see an active construction sight, and get a behind-the-scenes experience at the new Tiffin Recreation Center. With the help of industry partners, students were able to attend rotations in masonry, heavy equipment, precast/steal, carpentry, virtual construction, electrical work, HVAC, plumbing and project management.

Clear Creek Amana Community School District

03/31/2026

Way to go Hazel Point Intermediate students!

Thank you United Way of East Central Iowa for sharing your organization and your careers with these students.

03/30/2026

Nursing Day Job Shadow at Kirkwood

"The job shadow gave me more ideas of what a nursing career can look like while working at a hospital. I also learned that there are so many different types of nurses out there. I loved the hands on nature of the shadow, especially the simulation heart and lung injections." - Adeyinka Kedolou, Prairie High School

Kirkwood Community College

03/27/2026

Twenty40 Companies We appreciate you sharing your knowledge and insights into the real estate industry with students!

03/27/2026

We are so appreciative of our mock interview volunteers! Thank you.

HR Program Lead Francine Jackson recently shared her expertise with students during a Kirkwood Workplace Learning Connection event!

Through the mock interview process, students gained valuable firsthand experience, practicing their communication skills and receiving thoughtful, constructive feedback they can carry with them into future opportunities. Experiences like this help build confidence, sharpen professional skills, and better prepare students for success beyond the classroom.

03/26/2026

Chasity Alexander graduated from Iowa Valley Jr/Sr High School in 2023. During her time at Iowa Valley, she completed 3 WLC job shadows, and a WLC internship with Safe Haven of Iowa County as an animal caretaker.

“My WLC internship gave me real, hands-on exposure to working with animals in a professional setting,” Chasity says. “Before that experience, I knew I loved animals, but I didn’t fully understand what careers in the animal field looked like day to day. Being in that environment helped me see the responsibility, emotional investment, and work ethic it takes to care for animals professionally. It helped me realize that I didn’t just love animals — I wanted to build a career working with them.”

Feeling confident in her path, Chasity decided to graduate high school a semester early and enrolled in the Pet Grooming Program at Kirkwood Community College just one week later. “My internship experience directly influenced my education and career path and gave me the clarity to move forward quickly and intentionally,” Chasity says. “I enrolled in the 12-week Pet Grooming Program at Kirkwood Community College and completed it before my original high school class had even graduated. The program provided hands-on training in breed cuts, safety, sanitation, client communication, and business fundamentals. It allowed me to step directly into the grooming industry with confidence and technical skill. I chose Kirkwood because of its strong hands-on training programs and its connection to local career pathways. Since I had already benefited from WLC opportunities, continuing my education at Kirkwood felt like a natural next step. It allowed me to move efficiently into a career-focused program without delay.”

Today, Chasity is the groomer at Kennel & Grooming in Williamsburg, managing her ever growing list of clients!

Don't forget, applications for first-semester 2026 (fall) internships are now being accepted. Current 10th and 11th grade students are eligible to apply: https://www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/internships/index

Kirkwood Pet Grooming Program Iowa Valley Community School District

03/25/2026

Central City 7th Grade Career Speaker Day! 📸

"I really enjoy getting to introduce students to the Civil Engineering, Landscape Architecture, and Land Surveying career fields. These are career fields that I was never introduced to until I was in college. They are careers with good growth and it's nice to possibly interest a student in pursuing it in the future. I also appreciate the good communication and smooth process of volunteering." - Daniel Zirtzman, Hall & Hall Engineers, Inc.

City Community School Hall & Hall Engineers Kirkwood Medical Laboratory Technology program Kirkwood Community College ISU Extension and Outreach - Linn County

03/24/2026

A few weeks ago, Halcyon House-A WesleyLife Community in Washington, hosted 3 students, helping them explore careers in nursing and healthcare. Students got a behind-the-scenes look at the different levels of living, saw Halcyon House team members in action, and got to participate in a drumming exercise class with residents!

Many thanks to Halcyon House for hosting these students.

Mid-Prairie CSD Williamsburg Community School District

03/23/2026

Thank you to Brothers Market in Tipton for donating cookies and water for our Cedar County High School Career Fair earlier this month!

We are lucky to have them as part of our community!

Brothers Market-Tipton IA

03/17/2026

We’re grateful for partners like Corridor Energy Cooperative who invest their time and talent into creating meaningful career exploration experiences for students. Events like Electric Utility Career Day help bring career pathways to life and inspire the next generation of professionals. ⚡