Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Career And College Readiness topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Lewis Central presents expanded college and career readiness program; coordinator reports growth in work-based learning
Summary
The district updated the board on its district career and academic plan, reporting increased student participation in career exploration and work-based learning, expanded partnerships and concurrent enrollment growth.
Assistant Principal Jamie Justesen and College and Career Readiness Coordinator Pat Nepple presented the district’s career and academic plan and a year of career exploration activities to the board on April 21.
Justesen said the district’s eighth-grade students prepare a four-year plan using the district’s registration system, and counselors and high-school staff review and revise those plans each year. She noted that the college and career coordinator position is funded through a grant from the IOS Foundation.
Nepple described an expanded slate of career-exploration and work-based learning experiences this year. He said 53% of students had some sort of career exploration experience this year, mainly sophomores and juniors, and that the district increased the number and quality of work-based opportunities, including internships and longer-term placements. He highlighted a student placed through an Agrivision partnership who will train on John Deere equipment, receive toolboxes and housing support at Iowa Western Community College.
Nepple listed trips and partners used this year for hands-on exposure: Council Bluffs Fire Department, local clinics, Miller Electric Group (apprenticeship opportunities), Omaha water treatment plant, Rev Aviation, plumbing and construction trades, and hospitality and cosmetology sites. He credited counselors and community partners for coordinating placements and said the district uses a data capture process at college fairs (QR-code scans) to follow up with interested students.
The presentation included data on concurrent enrollment and postsecondary outcomes. Nepple said concurrent enrollment through Iowa Western has “absolutely skyrocketed” in recent years and that about 42% of the class of 2025 had taken the ACT as of the presentation. He noted FAFSA completion remains a challenge but that the district held a FAFSA completion night and will continue outreach. Decision Day is scheduled for May 6.
Board members praised the program and the staff’s work to expand opportunities.
Why it matters: Expanded career and college pathways, internships and concurrent enrollment influence students’ postsecondary options and local workforce pipelines, and partnerships with community colleges and local employers can provide direct employment pathways for graduates.
