Nearly half of Iowa’s high school seniors in the class of 2025 completed at least one work-based learning experience, marking a significant increase in career-connected education across the state.
The Iowa Department of Education has announced that 45% of graduating seniors achieved work-based learning experiences during high school, up from 31.7% in 2024 and 25.5% in 2023. The increase represents a 76% rate of growth over two years, with 15,154 students from the class of 2025 participating in the programs.
“Iowa makes empowering learners with multiple pathways to postsecondary success top priority,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow in a statement. “The 15,154 students in the class of 2025 who accomplished a work-based learning experience earned durable skills, prepared for in-demand careers, and are now realizing their futures.”
Work-based learning encompasses sustained project-based learning with employer partnerships, simulated work experiences aligned with industry credentials, pre-apprenticeships, student learner programs, internships and apprenticeships.
The growth follows multiple pieces of legislation championed by Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education. Recent 2024 legislation better defined and supported high-quality programs, while 2025 legislation requires career exploration beginning in fifth grade.
Starting with the class of 2026, students will receive industry-recognized credential seals on their high school diplomas. Previous legislation allowed qualifying Career and Technical Education courses to count for core science and math credit and established the CTE Career Cluster Endorsement.
“Expanding work-based learning opportunities for students is critical to future workforce development because it creates awareness of high-quality jobs in their own backyard,” said Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend in a statement.
The expansion involves work-based learning coordinators, career and technical student organizations, and local businesses supporting programs including the Iowa Department of Education’s Credentials to Careers program, the STEM BEST program and the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship.
The U.S. Department of Education recently approved Iowa’s updated state Career and Technical Education plan under the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. The plan prioritizes student work-based learning experiences and industry-recognized credentials.
“We are thrilled to see Iowa’s strong commitment to expanding work-based learning paying off,” said Kristen Bandy, Iowa Association for Career and Technical Education executive director, in a statement.
The Iowa Business Council and work-based learning coordinators also praised the expansion, citing benefits for workforce development and student career preparation.
