Kirkwood Community College’s Workplace Learning Connection (WLC) has been recognized as one of the top 10 work-based learning organizations in the nation by the U.S. Department of Education. 

Kirkwood participated in a multi-stage national competition designed to grow and enhance work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for middle and high school students for the honor. 

According to recent state data, 45% of Iowa high school seniors in the class of 2025 completed at least one work-based learning experience, which is up nearly 20 percentage points from two years ago. WLC serves 32 public school districts, as well as private and charter schools across Eastern Iowa. Through job shadows, internships, career fairs, classroom visits, industry tours, mock interviews, and speaker events, the organization provides students with meaningful opportunities to explore career paths and connect with local employers.

As part of its recognition, WLC received $186,000 in funding to enhance its programs.

The WLC program includes Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn, and Washington counties.