Dubuque students present City Life work-based learning to council; program leaders flag funding shifts and capacity

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Students in the Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (IJAG) City Life program presented their work-based learning experiences to the Dubuque City Council at a special session on May 5, 2025, describing visits to city departments and suggesting more sustained internship and recreation opportunities for youth.

City staff and IJAG leaders told the council the City Life program gives high school and middle school students exposure to municipal careers and employers, provides follow-up support after graduation, and runs twice a year in Dubuque schools. Tom Oparia, community engagement coordinator with the Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Support, told the council City Life lets students “get exposure to the various careers that are offered out there” within city departments and to learn what to look for when seeking employment.

The presentation combined short video highlights and student remarks. Students described tours and hands-on demonstrations in the fire, police, public works, parks and recreation, transit and leisure services departments; several students said the visits changed or clarified their career interests.…