Event Details

“Partners, Projects & Possibilities: Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning”

Presented by: Jake Welchans, Project Manager, IA Dept. of Education &

Laura Williams, 21st Century Learning Specialist & WBL Clearinghouse Coordinator

During this presentation, Jake and Laura will discuss how Iowa is creating a virtual clearinghouse to expand access to high-quality, real-world work-based learning experiences for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, regardless of where they live. The Iowa Clearinghouse for Work-Based Learning, which will be available by July 1, will focus on high-demand careers, including those in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. It is a virtual space where business partners will post projects for Iowa students to gain in-depth work experience while applying what they learn in school.

The clearinghouse will build on other state efforts to help students develop job-specific knowledge and soft skills, to bring real-world application into K-12 schools, and to help businesses grow the skilled workers they need. Our challenge is to spread the word and generate interest among employers, educators, and students and families.

In this presentation attendees will learn how to:

• Access the Clearinghouse
• Develop a high-quality project idea
• Submit a project and get it posted to the Clearinghouse
• Attendees will also develop an understanding around what this type of authentic learning can look like and hear about successful examples from around the state.

Speaker’s Background & Experience: Although new to the work-based learning world, Jake has spent time in both halves of the education + business connection.  He worked for five years in the insurance industry before embarking on a career change and returning to earn his Master’s degree and teaching credentials. He spent eleven years with Des Moines Public Schools as a business and technology teacher, technology trainer and instructional technology coordinator before joining the Iowa Department of Education in his current role.  As project manager for the clearinghouse project, Jake works directly with teams at the Department of Education and AEA Learning Online to make this virtual tool a reality and also lead business outreach.

Joining Jake, Laura is Southeast Iowa’s point for AEA learning Online and Great Prairie AEA to work with area partnerships to create and enhance more work based and authentic learning experiences for students. As a 21st Century Learning Specialist, Laura works with both area partners and local teachers and leaders to help educators align project work to the Iowa Core Academic Standards and 21st Century Skills. Laura also facilitates the Iowa Authentic Learning Network to help connect area educators, students, businesses to provide access to resources and opportunities. Laura has been with the AEA for the past three years and prior to that was a secondary Science teacher.

HRCI for 1.0 (General) PHR/SPHR Recertification Credit Hour

SHRM Approved for 1.0 SHRM-CP/SHRM-SCP Professional Development Credit

“The use of this seal is not an endorsement by the HR Certification Institute of the quality of the program.

It means that this program has met the HR Certification Institute’s criteria to be pre-approved for recertification credit.”