The Link
THE LINK provides connections for educators, students and business partners in Southeast Iowa including a guide to business resources.
Linking Education to Careers
Work-based learning is a powerful method for introducing K-12 students to the world of work and its various careers. Students get real life examples of how they'll use skills learned in school in their adult lives and are introduced to jobs they may not have considered.
Educators
Work-based learning experiences provide experiences beyond the classroom. Work-based learning has been proven to improve attendance, course selection and graduation rates. Students see value in education when they are given opportunities to learn what real careers await them after high school.
Students get a chance for them to see the realities and rewards of various careers through activities such as:
- Job shadow visits
- Job site tours
- Businessperson classroom & school visits
Interested in taking students on a tour or inviting a businessperson to speak at your school? Complete the form below.
Do you have a student interested in doing a job shadow? Scroll down for the Student Job Shadow Application.
Work-based learning doesn’t just stop with students.
The Link also offers learning opportunities for teachers. Each summer, four teachers are chosen to participate in a two week externship to work in the field of their study. Teachers gain valuable experience they can take back to their classrooms to answer the age old question, “When will I ever use this?”
They also are eligible to receive a monetary stipend.
Interested? Complete the application below.
Helpful Links
- All Aspects of a Business, Industry, Company
- US Department of Labor K-12
- ASVAB Career Exploration Program
- Governor’s STEM Advisory Council
- Iowa Workplace Learning Guide 2010
- Youth For Iowa
- Iowa Public Television School to Careers
Students
It's never too soon to start planning your future. Exploring careers and career options, choosing your career path, creating a plan and putting the plan into action begins in elementary school and continues throughout your life. There are jobs out there you haven't considered. Work-based learning helps you experience what's out there.
Are you a student interested in doing a job shadow? Be sure to read the Job Shadow Handbook and then complete the Student Job Shadow Application.
Helpful Links
Business needs a workforce that not only has the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom but also the ability to be responsible employees. Providing work-based learning to students helps increase company morale, enhance a company's image in the community and reduces the cost of recruiting, and training new workers.
Helpful Links
Businesses
Businesses need a workforce that not only has the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom, but also the ability to be responsible employees. Providing work-based learning to students helps increase company morale, enhance a company's image in the community and reduces the cost of recruiting, and training new workers.
Several businesses in Southeast Iowa provide work-based learning experiences to students through job shadows, worksite tours, classroom speakers and career fair appearances. Does your business want to get involved? Contact Leanne Krogmeier at lkrogmeier@scciowa.edu or (319) 208-5053.
We also welcome businesses that would like to provide work-based learning to students with disabilities. Contact Mary Hofmann at mhofmann@scciowa.edu or (319) 208-5288.
The Link events include...
| Career fairs | Workplace readiness skills for teens |
| Career speakers | Workplace tours |
| School counselor informational sessions & resources | Teacher appreciation events |
| Educator resources for career exploration in the classroom | Southeast Iowa Regional STEM Festival |
| Investigate Your Future- STEM Career Exploration | KidTek University |
| Tater Toss |
Contact Information
Leanne Krogmeier
Work-Based Learning Specialist
(319) 208-5053
lkrogmeier@scciowa.edu
The Link is part of the Iowa Intermediary Network, INET.