What if school didn’t just prepare students for tests, but for life?
Across our communities, that question is turning into action. Through work-based learning opportunities supported by Central Rivers AEA, students are stepping beyond the classroom and into the workforce. What they are discovering is transforming their futures.
Central Rivers AEA partners with 30 school districts to help students explore careers through job shadows, internships and work experience. These aren’t just “extras” – they are essential experiences that help students answer the big question: “What comes next?”
Think about a high school student walking into a hospital for the first time, shadowing a nurse. Or a student spending part of their week at a local manufacturing plant, learning how things are built and shipped. Or another working alongside a small business owner, seeing firsthand what it takes to run a company.
Now imagine the impact.
Learning by Doing
Take Kayla, a senior at Grundy Center. Kayla knew she had a creative streak but wasn’t sure where it fit until she stepped into The Mercantile Barber Salon. Mentored by Karlie Koonce, Kayla didn’t just watch; she dove into the technical side of hair, even inviting her father to the salon for some hands-on learning.
“I learned that certain skills, such as highlights, are more creative than strict,” Kayla shared. “Working in the salon has made me more confident… This class allowed me to explore a career in cosmetology before committing to schooling.”
But her journey didn’t stop there. After meeting Kiah Wilson during a job shadow at Polished Nails & Spa, Kayla’s interests expanded. She recently began a new internship with Kiah at Essentials by Kiah. Now, she isn’t just learning the technical skills of a nail technician, she is getting a front-row seat to what it takes to start and run a small business.
Finding a Calling
For other students, these opportunities provide the “aha!” moment that defines a career. Kali, also a senior at Grundy Center, spent her year rotating through different elementary classrooms. She moved from second grade to first, and finally to third, learning everything from classroom management to how “decoding” helps a child learn to read.
“Going into my senior year, I had absolutely no clue what I wanted to do,” Kali admitted. “Now I feel like this is a really good option for me. I love being around the kids, and I realize how rewarding it is when I am able to help someone.”
These moments matter. They turn abstract ideas about “jobs” into real possibilities. Sometimes, like with Kali, they confirm a passion. Other times, they help a student realize a path isn’t the right fit – which is just as valuable for their future.
But the benefits do not stop with students.
Our local businesses gain just as much. When a business opens its doors, they are investing in their own future workforce. They are building a pipeline of talent and helping young people see a future for themselves right here at home.
At Central Rivers AEA, we see incredible potential in expanding these partnerships. The more businesses that step forward, the more doors we can open.
If you are a local business owner or community partner, we invite you to join us. Whether you can offer a single job shadow or a semester-long internship, your impact is lasting.
Let’s work through this together. To learn more about how you can support a student’s journey, please reach out to Sarah Nelson, Director of IT & Special Programs at Central Rivers AEA. Your partnership could be the moment a student like Kayla or Kali discovers their path.
Sarah Nelson is the Director of IT & Special Programs with Central Rivers Area Education Agency based out of Cedar Falls. She can be reached at snelson@centralriversaea.org. Central Rivers AEA helps over 5,000 K-12 teachers in 18 counties of north central Iowa improve results for over 60,000 students. Learn more at www.centralriversaea.org.