Kirkwood Community College’s Workplace Learning Connection has been recognized as one of the top 10 work-based learning organizations in the nation by the U.S. Department of Education.
The honor was part of the DOE’s Career Z Challenge, a multi-stage national competition designed to grow and enhance work-based learning opportunities for middle and high school students.
According to recent state data, 45% of Iowa high school seniors in the class of 2025 completed at least one work-based learning experience, up nearly 20 percentage points from two years ago.
“This honor reflects the incredible dedication of our team and our partners across Eastern Iowa,” WLC director Kristine Bullock said in a release. “Every day, we have the privilege of helping young people discover what’s possible for their futures. Our goal is to ensure that students leave high school with both inspiration and direction–and to strengthen the region’s workforce in the process.”
Serving 32 public school districts, as well as private and charter schools across Eastern Iowa, the Workplace Learning Connection facilitates thousands of student experiences each year. Through job shadows, internships, career fairs, classroom visits, industry tours, mock interviews and speaker events, the organization provides students with opportunities to explore career paths and connect with local employers.
In alignment with new state guidelines, WLC has expanded access to industry-recognized credentials and concurrent enrollment through Kirkwood’s K–12 Partnerships team, increasing student participation by nearly 20%. According to the program, 89% of students report greater awareness of local career opportunities, 92% are positively influenced to pursue a related career field and 62% say they’re more likely to live and work in Iowa after graduation.
As part of its recognition, WLC received $186,000 in funding to enhance its efforts in creating student-centered work-based learning ecosystems.
