Workplace Learning Connection

01/01/2026

12/29/2025

One week until our winter/spring job shadow application portal opens, but the list of available shadow opportunities is available to review now!

https://www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/job-shadows/index

The winter/spring job shadow portal will be open from Jan. 5 - Jan. 21.

12/23/2025

12/23/2025

We can’t let the year end without celebrating STEAM Institute!

Over the last two weeks, we hosted seven STEAM Institute events across Washington, Linn, and Jones counties, giving area seventh grade students hands-on exposure to careers and pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Students explored career options and local industries, got a glimpse into the world of work, connected classroom learning to real-world jobs, and began meaningful conversations about career self-discovery.

As we are every year, we were blown away by the support of our local business partners and their willingness to share their STEAM careers with students. Their time, energy, and enthusiasm make these experiences possible—and help inspire the next generation of innovators.

Thank you for helping us spark curiosity and open doors! 💡

12/22/2025

"I developed my communication skills through my internship by talking with patients and nurses. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. I really enjoyed being in a medical environment. I now know that nursing is a good fit for me. It was so cool!" - Heather Pellizzari, Regina High School - summer 2025 nursing intern with UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital

Summer 2026 internship applications are now being accepted!
https://www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/internships/index

UnityPoint Health - Cedar Rapids

12/17/2025

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, over the last few decades there has been a shift in the agriculture career industry. While the overall number of jobs in traditional farming roles is gradually declining (or at best flat), ag careers in areas such as research and data integration, technology integration, precision agriculture, ag business, ag tourism, and sustainability are seeing strong growth.

Often, when students think Ag careers, they immediately think of a traditional farmer, harvesting crops and raising livestock. While those roles of course still exist, students often fail to consider (or are not even aware of) the huge variety of careers that make up the agriculture industry.

Over the last year, WLC has put a concerted effort into increasing the job shadow offerings we have available in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources pathway. This semester alone, we introduced four new career exploration days:
• Agricultural Tourism: Colony Acres Family Farm
• Alternative Farming Day: Cedar's Edge Evergreen Market
• Conservation and Natural Resource Management Exploration Day: Wickiup Hill Learning Center
• Horticulture Sciences Career Day: Kirkwood Main Campus

These new days are in addition to a variety of existing, popular, ag pathway experiences, including (but not limited to):
• Ag Equipment Production Careers: Bazooka Farmstar
• Agriculture & Manufacturing Career Paths: Kinze Manufacturing
• Agriculture Sales Day: Stutsman, Inc.
• Farming- Harvest Experience in Jones County
• Natural Resources Day: USDA

The agriculture industry remains a vital industry, working to feed the global population, and deal with climate change, sustainability, and resource constraints. Many roles will evolve rather than disappear, meaning new opportunities for people with the right mix of skills.

Raelene Hawkins, a student at HLV High School, attended our Conservation and Natural Resource Management Day at the Wickiup Hill Learning Center in Toddville. “I learned much more about conservation and all the different jobs that you can have in the field. I liked that I got to hear from multiple different areas and I got a sense of how all the jobs work together. There is a variety of jobs to consider and choose from.”

Colony Acres Family Farm 's Edge Evergreen Market Kirkwood Ag Sciences Kinze Manufacturing, Inc. Bazooka Farmstar

12/16/2025

Alissa Zimmerman, a student at Benton Community High School, completed a bakery internship over the summer with Main Street Bakery and Cafe in Keystone. Alissa loved the hands-on experience!

Main Street Bakery offered Alissa a job at the completion of her internship. Her host told us that she has done an amazing job. Another great connection made!

Benton Community Schools Main Street Bakery and Cafe

12/15/2025

The summer 2026 Internship Application Portal is NOW OPEN!

Current sophomores and juniors in high school are eligible to apply.

Internships are 40 hours and students earn dual-credit.

To learn more and apply, visit: https://www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/internships/index

12/11/2025

Jensen Thornton from Center Point Urbana High School completed a WLC summer internship with Monroe & Co Photography.

"I am grateful for everyone believing in me and helping me through this experience. One strength I gained was taking feedback in a positive way. Everyone was so welcoming!" - Jensen Thornton, student -CPU

"Jensen took every conversation we had and ran with it. He was immediately immersed in the topic and wanting to learn. My favorite thing about working with him was his drive and “go getter” attitude." - Jess Denton, Monroe & Co internship host

Center Point-Urbana Schools Monroe+Co

12/10/2025

As always, such a great shadow experience for these students. Thank you!

12/10/2025

WLC Partner Spotlight - Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Benton County

The ISU Benton County Extension office and their Program Director, Greg Walston, have played an integral role in WLC programming in Benton County for many years. We appreciate Greg’s willingness to always host job shadows, internships, and participate in countless interview sessions. We will miss Greg in this role, and wish him the best in his new chapter.

"The WLC program has been a joy for me to work with in the last few years. I really appreciate the way the students are coached and allowed to explore a variety of workplaces. I’ve also had the chance to help several students prepare for their future, which has been incredibly rewarding.” - Greg Walston, Program Director – Iowa State University Benton County Extension Office

Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

12/10/2025