McKenzie Snow, Director of Iowa Department of Education | Iowa Department Of Education
The Iowa Department of Education has reported a notable rise in the number of high school seniors participating in work-based learning experiences. According to new data, 45% of students from the class of 2025 completed at least one such experience during their time in high school. This marks an increase of nearly 20 percentage points over two years, with participation rates moving from 25.5% in 2023 to 31.7% in 2024 and now reaching the current level.
“Iowa makes empowering learners with multiple pathways to postsecondary success top priority, and through the hard work of our students, educators, and employers, we have incredible progress to celebrate today,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “The 15,154 students in the class of 2025 who accomplished a work-based learning experience earned durable skills, prepared for in-demand careers, and are now realizing their futures. Across Iowa, career-connected learning is changing lives, empowering communities and strengthening economies, and we are excited to continue to expand these transformational opportunities together.”
State officials attribute this growth to legislative measures aimed at promoting career-connected learning. In recent years, laws have been passed that define and support high-quality work-based learning programs. These include project-based learning with employer partnerships, simulated workplace experiences tied to industry credentials, pre-apprenticeships, internships, apprenticeships, and student learner programs.
Additionally, new legislation requires career exploration activities starting as early as fifth grade. The class of 2026 will be the first cohort to receive industry-recognized credential seals on their diplomas. Other policies allow certain Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses to count toward core science and math credits while also establishing endorsements for CTE career clusters and authorizations for work-based learning educators.
“Expanding work-based learning opportunities for students is critical to future workforce development because it creates awareness of high-quality jobs in their own backyard, teaches students how to work and communicate in the workplace and provides employers the opportunity to create long-term relationships with students in their community,” said Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend. “Registered Apprenticeships, youth apprenticeships and internships provide our students hands-on training by employers and helps prepare them for success in any industry they decide to work in.”
Efforts from coordinators within schools along with business partnerships have contributed further through programs such as Credentials to Careers, STEM BEST program initiatives, and support from the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship at Iowa Workforce Development.
The U.S. Department of Education recently approved Iowa’s updated state plan for Career and Technical Education under federal law (Perkins V), which places emphasis on student participation in both work-based experiences and earning industry-recognized credentials. Similarly, updates made by the state under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) prioritize these outcomes not only within CTE but across all student populations.
More information about these initiatives can be found on the Career-Connected Learning webpage hosted by the Iowa Department of Education.
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