Workplace Learning Connection

Workplace Learning Connection Work. Learn. Connect ...Job Shadows. Internships. Career Events. For more information, visit our web site at www.workplace-learning.org

Workplace Learning Connection partners with area schools and local businesses to coordinate career exploration activities for students. Through job shadows, internships and career events, we are developing our future workforce by connecting today's students to tomorrow's careers. Sign-up for our monthly e-newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming opportunities: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/CM84cmi

Where are they now?Jacey Reineke, a 2024 graduate of Belle Plaine High School, made the most of her high school experien...
05/22/2026

Where are they now?

Jacey Reineke, a 2024 graduate of Belle Plaine High School, made the most of her high school experience by completing her Associate of Arts degree through Kirkwood Community College’s College Credit in High School Program—all before graduation.

Alongside this impressive academic achievement, Jacey gained valuable real-world experience through a Workplace Learning Connection (WLC) job shadow at Transamerica and a WLC internship at MidWestOne Bank.

“My job shadow and internship experiences helped me see what financial and analytical careers look like in real life,” Jacey shares. “I got to observe professionals and understand the skills they use every day. Having that real-world experience helped me confirm that I wanted to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science, and it made my path after high school feel clear and intentional.”

Jacey is currently studying Actuarial Science at the University of Iowa. Her transition to a large university has been smooth, thanks to the Kirkwood classes she completed while in high school. “Completing my associate’s degree gave me a strong academic foundation, so I felt prepared for the workload and expectations at Iowa,” she says.

Looking ahead, Jacey hopes to one day be working as an actuary, contributing to a company where she can apply her analytical thinking to real world problems. “WLC and Kirkwood opened doors for me. They helped me understand my strengths, explore career options and build the confidence to pursue my dreams!”

Belle Plaine Jr/Sr High Kirkwood - Iowa County Center

"I enjoyed being able to observe how to teach certain subjects and how to use differential learning for kids. The bigges...
05/18/2026

"I enjoyed being able to observe how to teach certain subjects and how to use differential learning for kids. The biggest takeaway from my internship was a boost in my confidence and a clearer understanding of what I’m capable of." - Jazmine Nino, Lone Tree High School - WLC winter 2026 intern at Lone Tree Elementary

Lone Tree Community School

Interested in joining the WLC team and making a difference in the lives of area students? We’d love to connect with you!...
05/18/2026

Interested in joining the WLC team and making a difference in the lives of area students? We’d love to connect with you!

We have two open positions on our team:
- Internship Coordinator
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/kirkwoodcc/jobs/5342998/internship-coordinator-workplace-learning-connection

-Business Liaison - Johnson County (195 Day)
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/kirkwoodcc/jobs/5343281/business-liaison-johnson-county-195-day

We are looking for highly organized, collaborative, and outgoing individuals to join our team. If you or someone you know would be interested, please check out the job postings above.

As we wrap up another Financial Literacy Fair season, we want to give a huge THANK YOU to the hundreds of community volu...
05/15/2026

As we wrap up another Financial Literacy Fair season, we want to give a huge THANK YOU to the hundreds of community volunteers who helped make these events possible! 👏

One of our favorite moments this year was connecting with a volunteer who was once an FLF student participant himself.

Samuel Vint shared that he attended Financial Literacy Fair as an 8th grader at Excelsior Middle School.

“I had no idea how applicable budgeting would be in my future at that point, but I’m very glad I was introduced to it while I was young. When it came to budgeting in real life, I was much better prepared.”

Sam also shared one of his favorite memories from FLF:
“My friends and I decided we were all going to go in together and buy a mansion.”

When asked how that plan is going, he laughed:
“We’re still in the planning phase.” 😂

We love seeing former students come back to give their time and inspire the next generation!

Excelsior Middle School

Hands-on learning ✅Automotive Careers Day at Billion Automotive
05/15/2026

Hands-on learning ✅

Automotive Careers Day at Billion Automotive

Does this sign make our resume look impressive? 😉[Hint: the answer is yes]
05/12/2026

Does this sign make our resume look impressive? 😉

[Hint: the answer is yes]

Thank you Shoemaker & Haaland for teaching students about engineering and surveying careers! We appreciate your partners...
05/12/2026

Thank you Shoemaker & Haaland for teaching students about engineering and surveying careers! We appreciate your partnership.

Johnson County STEAM Institute 2026!
05/08/2026

Johnson County STEAM Institute 2026!

WLC Partner SpotlightFor the past 15 years, KZIA, Inc./Z102.9 radio has been a dedicated partner of Workplace Learning C...
05/07/2026

WLC Partner Spotlight

For the past 15 years, KZIA, Inc./Z102.9 radio has been a dedicated partner of Workplace Learning Connection, hosting more than 70 WLC job shadow students and introducing them to careers in broadcasting and advertising. The team has also supported students through participation in more than 20 career speaker and mock interview events. Their ongoing engagement demonstrates a strong commitment to our community and to helping students take confident steps toward their future.

“Z102.9 is proud to support Kirkwood’s Workplace Learning Connection because we believe in investing in the next generation of local talent right here in the Corridor. As a media outlet built on creativity, communication, and community connection, we know firsthand how powerful real-world experience can be for students exploring career paths. By hosting and engaging with Workplace Learning Connection, we’re able to open our doors, share behind-the-scenes insight into broadcasting, marketing, and digital media, and help students see how classroom skills translate into exciting careers. In return, we gain fresh perspectives, new energy, and the opportunity to mentor future leaders who may one day shape our industry. Work-based learning strengthens our workforce pipeline, supports local schools, and reinforces our commitment to being more than just a radio station—we’re a community partner invested in the future.” – Chad Taylor-Zimmerman, Operations Manager – KZIA, Inc
9 Z102.9

As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, we encourage you to thank the educators in your life, and show them how valued the...
05/05/2026

As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, we encourage you to thank the educators in your life, and show them how valued they are!

This semester, Workplace Learning Connection launched mock interview events for the first time at Anamosa, Center Point-...
05/01/2026

This semester, Workplace Learning Connection launched mock interview events for the first time at Anamosa, Center Point-Urbana, and Monticello High Schools.

The goal of the program is practical skill development—helping students build a skill they will need throughout their lives, whether interviewing for a job, college program, or scholarship.

Emily Gorman, a sophomore at Anamosa High School, said the experience was extremely helpful, and that she appreciated the preparation they received in advance of the actual interview:

“I had to make a resume for the first time, and it was really fun to go through it,” she said. “It was helpful to see what I could improve. I learned how to make eye contact, speak clearly, and explain my responsibilities. It’s good practice for real life.”

Anamosa Community School District Monticello Community School District

Address

Cedar Rapids, IA

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4pm
Tuesday 8am - 4pm
Wednesday 8am - 4pm
Thursday 8am - 4pm
Friday 8am - 4pm

Telephone

319-398-1040 in Linn County / 319-887-3970 in Johnson County

Website

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