|
Contents
|
We continue to see work-based learning in both local and national news as a viable and proven solution for addressing many of our skilled workforce education and training needs. Here in Iowa, we are seeing increased demand for both new and expanded opportunities across the continuum.
This month's newsletter contains some important reminders, upcoming deadlines and other information to consider as you continue your important work in the new year.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, concerns, ideas or other feedback for how we can better serve you and your amazing work. Take care and be safe everyone.
Sincerely,
|
|
 |
 |
|
|
Applications are due tomorrow, Friday, 02/16 for the new Credentials to Careers grant! The Iowa Department of Education has opened up $1.7 million in competitive grants to Iowa school districts to align secondary career and technical education programs with industry-recognized credentials (IRCs). This grant will support high school students earning credentials with labor market value.
Allowable costs for this opportunity may include:
|
- instructional equipment
|
- wired and wireless internet connections
|
|
- non-consumable instructional supplies
|
- installation costs
|
|
- computer equipment and software
|
- student assessment fees
|
|
- curriculum enhancements
|
- student-required materials
|
|
- instructor training related to new equipment purchases
|
- instructor training expenses required to offer the desired credential(s)
|
Applications will be accepted on IowaGrants.gov through Friday, Feb. 16, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. A webinar recording, qualifying credentials and other information is also available on the Department's site.
Applications for the 2024 Iowa Summer Youth Internship Grant program are due by Wednesday, 02/21 at 2:00 p.m. in the IowaGrants system.
This program was designed to help jumpstart internships in high-demand fields across Iowa for youth between the ages of 14 and 24 that help prepare them for high-demand careers in the workforce. Approximately $250,000 in state funding is being made available for this year's funding opportunity.
Eligible applicants include non-profits, educational institutions, employers, and community organizations. Visit iowagrants.gov to review and apply or click the button below to learn more about this and previous rounds of this great funding opportunity.
Awarded funds can be used for:
- Participant wages (gross wages)
- Participant compensation (as a result of completing the program)
- Training resources, program supplies, and materials
- Program coordination
- Administrative costs (limited to 10% of total award)
Registration is closing soon for the Iowa Work-Based Learning Coordinators Conference, scheduled for April 2, 2024 at The Meadows Event Center - Prairie Meadows in Altoona, IA. This one-day conference brings together leaders in work-based learning to build knowledge, capacity and skills to strengthen work-based learning and access for every student.
There are some amazing sessions and speakers lined up for this year! Learn more and register at the link below. Members of ACTE/IACTE also receive a $50 discount. Hope to see you there!
Regular: $250 if registered by March 1, 2024
Late: $300 if registered by March 22, 2024
Registration closes soon for the 2024 Build My Future event, scheduled for Wednesday, April 17th at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.
Build My Future is a hands-on career immersion event that highlights careers available for high school students in Iowa. This annual event pulls in over 5,000 students from 110+ schools across the state and is expected to grow even more this year.
With over 20 different career pathways covered, across many industries, and hands-on activities from more than 100 different business exhibitors, there is something for every type of student! View pictures and videos from previous events, review testimonials and learn more at https://iowaskilledtrades.com/.
As I had mentioned in the December newsletter, one of my new year's resolutions is to begin a new section of this newsletter dedicated to allowing you to ROAR!
This is your opportunity to Recognize the great work of new or existing work-based learning programs or initiatives; Offer exciting news, updates or plans; Acknowledge others with notes of appreciation or kudos; and brag a little about Rewards or awards earned for Iowa's amazing work-based learning programs, coordinators, educators, counselors, employers and other partners or support staff.
Below are a few great examples of submissions received of Iowans doing amazing work at both state and national levels! Please consider submitting your ROARs anonymously through the basic Google Form at the link below. Submissions may also be sent directly to me at joe.collins@iowa.gov.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Lindsey Hyman from Boone Community Schools received a shout-out from a colleague - "She is changing the world of Work Based Learning with district wide events that are making K-12 students aware of multiple careers and having them broaden their horizons on their futures. One example is an upcoming Professionalism Day she organized that is bringing in over 80 industry professionals to the high school."
- Council Bluffs CSD received a shout-out for their hard work through new or expanded work-based learning initiatives with the TradeWorks Academy at Thomas Jefferson High School, Diploma +1 Pathways program and Anne E. Nelson Early Learning Center.
- Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) launched a new Information Technology (IT) career track at the NCC Career Academy with funds awarded through the Career Academy Incentive Fund Grant. Students are offered many work-based learning opportunities and industry recognized credentials through this and other career academy programs.
Share the Work-Based Learning Coordinator newsletter with your colleagues. Invite them to sign up to receive it in their mailbox using the following button.
Joe Collins
Work-Based Learning Consultant
Bureau of Community College and Postsecondary Readiness
Division of Higher Education
Iowa Department of Education
515-419-5190
joe.collins@iowa.gov
|
