Kirkwood recognized as leader in work-based learning

The Department of Education has recognized Kirkwood Community College as a national leader in work-based learning, as the college competes as a semi-finalist in the DOE’s Career Z Challenge.

The program is a competitive, open innovation challenge aiming to discover inventive ideas for increasing students’ access to top-notch work-based learning (WBL) experiences, with the ultimate goal of equipping them for successful careers in today’s workforce.

To qualify for consideration, Kirkwood’s Workplace Learning Connection submitted a proposal outlining their strategy to create collaborative and sustainable networks involving educators, businesses, industry experts, workforce professionals, and community stakeholders. These networks aim to offer valuable real-world career exploration and development opportunities to students in grades nine through 12. 

Awards

As a semi-finalist, WLC will be provided with technical support to facilitate the execution of their WBL plan, along with access to educational workshops, peer collaboration, and other resources during the 2023-2024 academic year. Additionally, WLC will be granted $10,000 in funding to advance its mission if it successfully completes all the semi-finalist program requirements.

To WLC Director Kristine Bullock, the semi-finalist designation is not only an honor, it’s a learning opportunity.

 “Kirkwood has a long history of partnering with Grant Wood AEA and all of the school districts in our region to bring career exploration experiences to sixth through 12th grade students,” said Ms. Bullock. “We are excited to be selected as an exemplary work-based learning ecosystem and look forward to learning from districts and organizations across the country to bring more experiences to more students as part of our local workforce development efforts.”

In being considered for the honor, Kirkwood competed against schools, non-profit organizations and educational agencies across 35 states. If chosen as a finalist, the WLC will be granted specialized and customized technical support to speed the growth and sustainability of their WBL ecosystem. Each finalist that meets the criteria will qualify for a prize of $150,000. Finalists will be announced in August 2024.