Workplace Learning Connection

09/04/2026

In honor of the first Iowa football game tomorrow, throwing it back to this summer when Herky cheered on a few of our NewBoCo interns. 🏈

"I am so grateful for this WLC internship at NewBoCo because it gave me more of an idea of the path I would like to pursue after high school. Expanding my knowledge of entrepreneurship and business are things that I'm looking forward to in the future. This internship truly inspired me to keep learning, take initiative, and pursue my goals with confidence." Aaron Hamm, student - Linn-Mar High School

Linn-Mar Community Schools

09/02/2026

Celebrating Ledford Engineering! 🎉

For the past three summers, Ledford Engineering has opened its doors to WLC interns, helping students gain valuable hands-on experience and a closer look at careers in mechanical engineering.

This summer, they hosted four WLC interns!

We are incredibly grateful for Ledford Engineering’s continued investment in students and their commitment to helping build the next generation of our workforce. Thank you for being such an important part of this career pathway! 👏

Linn-Mar Community Schools

08/31/2026

Before August comes to a close, we want to take a moment to recognize Rochelle Sowers, who retired this month after 15 years of making an incredible impact at WLC.

Throughout her career, Rochelle has been passionate about helping students discover their potential. While she is proud of the tremendous growth of WLC’s internship program, she says her greatest accomplishment has been the relationships she’s built with students and business partners.

“Working with students has been the most rewarding part of my career,” says Rochelle. “I’ve had the opportunity to welcome them, encourage them, celebrate their successes, and provide guidance when they needed it most. It is heartwarming to see a student achieve their goals and hear them share how their internship experience helped shape their future. Knowing I’ve played a small role in their journey is something that I will not forget.”

Thank you, Rochelle, for 15 years of dedication, compassion, and commitment to helping students build brighter futures. Your impact on WLC, our students, and our business partners will be felt for years to come. We wish you all the best in this next adventure! 💙

08/27/2026

School year 2026-2027 job shadow opportunities are now available!

Visit www.kirkwood.edu/wlc to learn more.

08/27/2026

☕️🏆😆

Today’s Mugshot is for Kirkwood Community College’s Workplace Learning Connection! ☕🎓

Job shadow applications are now open for Eastern Iowa high school sophomores, juniors and seniors. Students can explore careers, make connections and get a look at real-world workplaces.

Learn more at kirkwood.edu/wlc

08/25/2026

WLC Summer Intern Feature

"This summer I interned at Coe College in the Biology Department. I liked getting to see what it's like to do research at the college level. I took away how much I love to learn. I also learned what college life if like, especially what to do to get into research opportunities at that level. Ultimately, I learned how much fun it is to learn in a college lab!" - Brady Cripe, Xavier High School

Coe College

08/24/2026

This summer, UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's Hospital hosted 22 WLC interns!

Students explored careers in cardiology, nursing, radiology, laboratory, dietary, and healthcare administration, as well as explored physician associate and nurse practitioner careers. Students gained valuable hands-on experience and insight into a variety of healthcare careers.

We couldn’t be more appreciative of UnityPoint Health's commitment to helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. 💙

UnityPoint Health - Cedar Rapids

08/17/2026

Attention 10-12th grade students!

The WLC job shadow application portal is now open. Over 215 different career exploration experiences to pick from!

But hurry, this application opportunity is only open until Sept. 23 at 3pm.

To learn more and apply now, visit: https://www.kirkwood.edu/workplace-learning-connection/job-shadows/index

08/11/2026

The Iowa City Community School District partnered with the Iowa STEM Best Explore Grant and Workplace Learning Connection to host 5 WLC students for the Farm-to-Future Earth Summer Internship experience.

Students gained hands-on experience in sustainable agriculture with the goal of inspiring future leaders in agriculture and environmental stewardship. Students spent eleven intensive field days at Johnson County Historic Poor Farm, visited Kirkwood Community College's farm, participated in farmers' markets, and explored local farm operations. Students were also able to network with mentors from and .

Kirkwood Community College