Career-Connected Learning

Career-Connected Learning Logo

What is Career-Connected Learning?

Iowa Career-Connected Learning logo

Career-connected learning is an umbrella term that incorporates both career exploration and work-based learning. While career exploration activities empower students in learning about work, work-based learning supports students working to learn the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in the workplace and what comes next.  


Career Exploration

Career exploration includes activities designed to assist with exploring and building awareness of the available careers in in-demand, high-wage and public good college and career pathways.

Work-Based Learning

Work-based learning is sustained project-based learning in partnership with an employer, simulated work experiences aligned with industry-recognized credentials,  high-quality pre-apprenticeships aligned to an apprenticeship,  student learner programs, internships, and apprenticeships.


CRAEA Current CCL Supports & Services

Career Exploration

  • District Career and Academic Planning
  • Job Shadows (Job Shadow Coordinator)
  • Student Events

Work-Based Learning

  • District Career and Academic Planning
  • Special Ed Secondary Transition Goals (Work Experience Coordinators)
  • Internships (Multi-occupations Coordinators)
  • Sustained Project-based Learning (CAPS Director)
  • Student-learner Programs (CAPS Director)

Important Contacts

Staff Directory

Rod Ball

Director of Special Programs

Sarah Nelson

Director of IT & Special Programs

Our website is being updated this summer. Some information may be out of date.