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Board hears update on Iowa Big program; leaders cite hands‑on projects, equity and capacity limits
Summary
Cedar Rapids board received an update on Iowa Big, a student‑driven, project‑based program that pairs high school students with local businesses and nonprofits. Presenters described 42 current enrollees, capacity constraints, transportation challenges and plans to expand career pathways and credential testing.
The Cedar Rapids Community School District Board of Education heard a presentation Wednesday on Iowa Big, the district‑launched project‑based learning program that connects high school students with local businesses, nonprofits and postsecondary partners.
Iowa Big leaders told the board the program currently serves 42 Cedar Rapids students — sophomores, juniors and seniors who attend either a morning or an afternoon cohort — and operates from a central site in the Economic Alliance building. Presenters said the program aims to give students real‑world experience, develop career networks and help graduates stand out in college and job applications.
“Iowa Big has worked with hundreds of partners in our community,” Dennis Becker, an Iowa Big leader who has been involved with the program since its start, said in his remarks. “It is really a unique educational program in the nation,…
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