Cedar Rapids Schools and Programs Fuel Future Careers

Innovative career-prep programs equip students to shine in a rapidly evolving global economy.

By Teree Caruthers on January 10, 2024

XQ Institute

A well-educated and highly skilled workforce is essential in a rapidly evolving global economy, and Cedar Rapids schools and innovative career development programs are helping to empower students to overcome barriers and pursue their full potential. 

Linn-Mar Community School District focuses on providing a comprehensive education that equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers, says Elyssa McDowell, the district’s strategic partnership coordinator of Venture Academics. 

“By offering a wide range of subjects and academic programs, including STEM courses, vocational training and college-preparatory programs, Linn-Mar Community Schools helps students develop a strong foundation and explore various career paths,” she says.

Elyssa McDowell

Ad-Ventures in Education

The Linn-Mar CSD’s Venture Academics program, for example, introduces students to local, in-demand career pathways through hands-on projects, business tours and guest speakers. In addition to the academic knowledge students learn in each content area, the program emphasizes development of essential soft skills, such as teamwork, communication, adaptability, problem-solving and time management – all skills that are highly valued by employers and crucial for success in the workplace.

“Venture allows students to things, such as presentations, meetings, data gathering and analysis, problem-solving and collaboration, like they would in a professional setting. Through these real-world projects and interactions, students are given the opportunity to develop professional skills that will help them succeed in future college and career experiences,” McDowell says.

Courtesy Iowa BIG

Thinking Big

Cedar Rapids Community School District is making strides in career development with the opening of the state’s first magnet high school, City View Community High School. Open to ninth and 10th graders the first year, the school focuses on project-based learning and community service to prepare students for career success. The high school is located in downtown Cedar Rapids, giving students access to the local business community.

The synergy between schools and the community is also the idea behind Iowa BIG, a statewide program that takes the Iowa Core standards and teaches them through interest-based community projects. 

“Not only does this real-world work help students see how academic knowledge is applied in the world outside of academia, but it also actively builds students’ 21st-century skills,” says Trace Pickering, co-founder, Iowa BIG. “These skills – like time management, collaboration, teamwork and conflict management, professional communication, and discovering one’s purpose – all better prepare students for their next step, whether college or career.” 

Students participate in a wide range of projects from government to nonprofit and business. Examples include working with a metal artist to design, build and place Kolache benches in the Czech Village neighborhood, working with the city arborist to create urban orchards, and engaging in a large data analysis project for LimoLink. 

“Project-based learning is a powerful tool for any student but can be especially helpful for the student who has lost interest in school,” Pickering says. “Project-based learning, done right, puts the student at the center, allowing them to take on projects and ideas tied to things they are interested in and care about.” 

Community Minded

A partnership between College Community School District and Junior Achievement led to the launch of an in-class learning experience called BizTown Mobile that simulates community living. Students as young as elementary school age learn leadership skills by taking turns running shops and restaurants and even voting for mayor. 

“Students are not only developing financial literacy skills, but they are also gaining a bigger understanding of what it’s like to work in a community and how everything is interconnected and how one business’ success impacts other businesses,” says Doug Wheeler, superintendent of the College Community School District.

“There are also opportunities for the students to learn communication skills and learn to collaborate. They learn what it’s like to be an entrepreneur, and they learn how goods and services are delivered. It’s a great bridge to the next conversation we have with them which is ‘Can you see yourself in these careers?’ and ‘What do you need to do to have that career?’”