Board hears update on Iowa Big program; leaders cite hands‑on projects, equity and capacity limits

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, nationally recognized for a lot of the work that we have students do.”

Board members heard student testimonials. Bridget Charles, an Iowa Big student, described hands‑on projects that shaped her interests: “Big has helped me build confidence especially in public speaking.” Fatima Torres, another student, said Iowa Big lets students apply classroom learning: “Iowa Big really highlights on learning, but also applying it to the real world.”

Program staff described different student profiles that Iowa Big serves — students seeking alternatives to traditional classrooms, students who struggled previously in school, highly creative students and students pursuing AP or college tracks — and said the program has produced scholarships and other opportunities for graduates.

Presenters outlined near‑term and planned services: offering industry‑recognized credentials (they said the program will become a testing site for Certiport and CompTIA), expanding cybersecurity and computer‑science projects, hosting a Biz Innovator event in November, and using Iowa Big as a potential capstone option for district career pathways.

Leaders flagged transportation and capacity as the biggest barriers to equity and growth. “Our biggest thing is getting them to us,” Adam Zimmerman, an Iowa Big staff member, told the board when directors asked about bus access. Presenters said there is a waiting list of more than 100 interested students and that the site can accommodate about 45–50 students per cohort (roughly 90–100 total if staffing allows).

Board members and staff discussed recruitment and outreach strategies, including presentations at high‑school lunches and school assemblies; program leaders said outreach this year increased interest but transportation miscommunications reduced some enrollments. Directors also asked about partner expectations and project structure. Presenters said Iowa Big emphasizes student‑driven work rather than “grunt” tasks and provides partner coaching and reflection with students.

Program staff and board members described instances where project work led directly to jobs or internships and said the program helps students develop professional networks and practical skills. Presenters also noted partnerships with Kirkwood and regional education agencies and contrasted Iowa Big’s locally rooted, student‑driven model with other programs that are more curriculum‑packaged.

The board did not take formal action on the presentation. Directors thanked the presenters and encouraged continued outreach and work on transportation logistics.

The program update followed public‑comment and other agenda items and included a question‑and‑answer period with multiple board members.