Workplace Learning Connection

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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

New Staff Feature - Kelsey PortwineKelsey joined our team in August and is the new Johnson County internship coordinator...
10/19/2026

New Staff Feature - Kelsey Portwine

Kelsey joined our team in August and is the new Johnson County internship coordinator. Kelsey will work out of the Kirkwood Regional Center in Coralville. Kelsey brings a lot of experience working with students, and we are excited to have her on the team!

Where did you work prior to WLC?
Prior to this position, I worked at Clear Creek Amana as the TAP Coordinator, where I supported students in reaching their educational and employment goals.

What careers were you interested in when you were in high school?
When I was in high school, I was interested in pursuing either cosmetology or social work. At the time, the one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted a career where I could work with people and make a difference.

From your perspective, why is career exploration such a pivotal part of a student’s educational journey?
I believe career exploration plays a huge role in helping students discover what they want to do in the future. Every job shadow is an opportunity to learn more about what interests you, or to discover something that may not be the right fit. Both outcomes are valuable in different ways.

Hands-on experiences, such as internships, can have a significant impact and even shift the direction of a student’s entire career / educational journey. I believe every decision we make can be a domino effect, shaping where we end up in the future. Each experience, opportunity, and decision is an important part of that journey!

What are you looking forward to in your new role?
I look forward to connecting with students and helping to provide meaningful experiences that can shape their future decisions. My goal is to help students gain confidence, explore their interests, and feel more confident about their future path.

Help us in welcoming Kelsey to the team!

10/15/2026

Career discovery tour week!! Brought to students by Kirkwood’s Workplace Learning Connection.

Today STEAM Academy students visited Polo Custom Products in Monticello. Students enjoyed the tour and found another fantastic employer in Eastern Iowa.




Southeast Iowa STEM Region

This week is our annual Career Discovery Tours for middle and high school students. Twenty-eight area businesses and or...
10/15/2026

This week is our annual Career Discovery Tours for middle and high school students. Twenty-eight area businesses and organizations across Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington counties opened their doors to students as part of the event. More than 875 students participated in the tours. Students heard directly from employers, saw the operations and innovation happening up close, and learned about the great career opportunities available and the type of education needed to get hired.

Yesterday, 13 West Branch students had the opportunity to tour Nordex and see the assembly of wind turbine elements up close and personal.

Nordex North America Branch Community Schools

🎉 We’re kicking off another season of job shadows!Our first job shadow of the 2026–27 school year was Baking and Pastry ...
10/15/2026

🎉 We’re kicking off another season of job shadows!

Our first job shadow of the 2026–27 school year was Baking and Pastry Arts Day at Kirkwood. Educational AND delicious. 👍

We loved helping make this career day possible! Thank you to all of the community volunteers who shared their time, expe...
10/14/2026

We loved helping make this career day possible! Thank you to all of the community volunteers who shared their time, experiences, and expertise with students. Opportunities like these help students connect classroom learning to future careers and discover what's possible after graduation.

[Student Editorial] A Summer of Learning, Advocacy, and GrowthMy name is Ava Parsons, I am a senior at Linn-Mar High Sch...
10/08/2026

[Student Editorial] A Summer of Learning, Advocacy, and Growth

My name is Ava Parsons, I am a senior at Linn-Mar High School. This summer I did a WLC internship at NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Linn County. NAMI is an organization that works to support people and families living with mental health conditions through advocacy and education. As part of my internship, I got to participate in youth workshops, hand out resources at Pride Fest, and be interviewed on KCRG!

I am interested in psychology and mental health careers because the people who need support the most are the ones that the systems have historically failed. Whether that is long waitlists to get help, the cost, or the stigma surrounding seeking help, there is a lack of access for so many people. I want to make a difference and be part of the change to prioritize mental health in this country. I was already set on a degree in psychology, and this experience has only solidified my decision. I cannot wait to pursue further education and enter this field.

My internship helped me explore future careers by introducing me to advocacy and what a typical day looks like for a career that focuses on ending the stigma. This internship has also introduced me to Crush Recovery, which focuses on substance abuse, since I am currently exploring the possibility of going into addiction counseling. The experience will also be a great thing to put on my future resumes and applications, showing that I already have had a little experience in the field.

After I graduate this spring, I plan to go to Kirkwood for a year to finish my Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in psychology and then transfer to the University of Iowa to get my bachelor's and master's degrees.

Apply for a second-semester internship today!

-Mar Community Schools

Our first career speaker day of the school year was a success!Thank you to our volunteers for sharing their time: KZIA, ...
10/07/2026

Our first career speaker day of the school year was a success!

Thank you to our volunteers for sharing their time: KZIA, Mercy Health, Tech Electronics, Kirkwood Business/IT program, New Bo Co, Skogman Realty, Cedar's Edge Evergreen, Mercy Medical, Info Solutions, and Kirkwood's MLT program.

Last school year WLC provided 35,357 career exploration experiences to area students! 🤯
10/07/2026

Last school year WLC provided 35,357 career exploration experiences to area students! 🤯

[Student Editorial] Brianna Gahring: Turning High School Opportunities into a Head StartDuring the summer of 2025, I had...
10/05/2026

[Student Editorial] Brianna Gahring: Turning High School Opportunities into a Head Start

During the summer of 2025, I had the opportunity through Workplace Learning Connection (WLC) to intern at the Vinton Police Department as a public safety intern. During this internship, I learned just how critical it is to follow procedures, especially in law enforcement. I was also able to assist in alcohol compliance checks, ensuring that local businesses were following state regulations, including making sure that they were not selling to underage individuals. I also had the opportunity to observe traffic stops, warrant pickups, and community calls regarding various issues. One call involved bank account fraud that required us to contact the FBI. These experiences gave me a better understanding of the many responsibilities involved in law enforcement, even in a small community.

This past summer, I was placed at an internship with Virginia Gay Hospital as an information systems administrator intern. During this internship, I developed a deeper understanding of workflow disruptions and how critical every problem is, even if it seems minor. My favorite part was networking with hospital staff and learning how all departments must work together to keep the hospital and clinics running smoothly.

Both WLC internships were interesting and eye-opening. My career goal is to be a digital forensics analyst. My experiences showed me that no matter what career you choose, there are always new things to learn and understand. Most importantly, I learned that a job is more than just its listed duties and responsibilities. Throughout my internships, I improved my communication and professionalism skills. I have learned many job employability skills, including that showing up to your internship or job on time means being at least ten to fifteen minutes early, allowing you time to prepare.

Also, throughout my high school career, I have taken advantage of the opportunity to take college classes through Kirkwood’s dual enrollment program (all at no cost to my family!). After graduation next spring, I plan to attend Kirkwood Community College, double majoring in Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity and Networking.

Benton Community Schools Benton Development Group Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics Kirkwood Benton County Center

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

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