Today’s global economy is causing significant changes in the way we deliver education.
- 70% of all new jobs require training beyond high school.
- The future economy is placing a premium on technical skill.
- Growing demand for careers requiring stronger preparation in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).
- Today’s career paths must be aligned with economic needs.
- Stu
dents learn today by doing and being more entrepreneurial in their approach.
- Given this change, secondary and post-secondary institutions are beginning to work together to ensure seamless college and career transitions for students. Opportunity
The Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa is a long-term educational investment for the central Kirkwood region offering traditional college programming as well as:
Innovative, high tech career academies with industry recognized certifications. College readiness assessment, placement exams, National Career Readiness Certification. Financial aid services, academic advising and career counseling services. Grant Wood Area Education Agency Services
Kirkwood Continuing Education courses and certification programs. Students may follow several different pathways after completing Kirkwood's career academies (link to Career Academies). Examples include college certificates, diplomas, associates, bachelors and graduate degrees, in addition to immediate employment. Workplace Learning Connection
Co-locating at the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa is the Workplace Learning Connection (link to Workplace Learning) Fully embedded in the learning experience at the regional center, the Workplace Learning Connection brings students together with local business and industry to provide job shadows and internships. Workplace Learning Connection is a valuable career exploration tool schools can use to help students understand that what they’re learning in school is applicable to real life. Recent job shadow data indicates that Kirkwood’s programming aligns with many “hot jobs” students want including health care occupations, engineering and teaching.
