Cedar Valley West Update

As I have shared earlier one new program this year that we're very excited about is the Cedar Valley West job shadow and internship program.  This program is coordinated by Mrs. Sherri Walker.  Goals of the program include providing students the opportunity to experience careers of interest to them, as well as increasing student awareness of the career opportunities in our area.  The following data were collected from Mrs. Walker at the conclusion of the first trimester experiences.  The data indicate that the program is off to a fantastic start.

Trimester 1: 

109 Applicants

Student Surveys Said:

• 89.9% experience provided valuable information regarding the student's career interests
• 86.1% experience helped decide to pursue training and education in the job shadow field
• 86.1% experience helped choose a career in the area in which student job shadowed in
• 75.5% experience made students question whether or not they are entering into the best career field for the "right fit"
• 66.9% experience has now impacted the classes the student will take in high school
• 86.1% experience has impacted their college major and other endorsements/certificates
• 95.4% experience helped the student understand the relevance of developing professional career related relationships (networking skills) 
• 90.0% experience helped form a connection between my high school courses and how they apply to the world of work
• 96.6% experience has increased my awareness of career opportunities in my community and region
• 84.0% experience positively influenced their decision to live and work in the area
• 9.4 rating  On a scale of 0-10, with 10 being the highest, rate your overall satisfaction with your experience
• 100% of students would recommend a job shadow experience to another high school student

1. To date: 170 Cedar Valley West job shadow applicants.
• (estimated 18% of those applicants are completing a second and third job shadow experience)
2. To date: 48.8% are juniors, 51.2% are seniors

Internships:

• Cedar Valley West has had 32 applicants to date. As students schedule these into their plans next year, this number will increase.

The program has garnered interest from legislators in NE Iowa, who are planning to promote the concept with rural districts around the State.  These legislators are exploring the possibility of supplying funding for the program in the future.  The success of this program is a tremendous benefit for G-R students and our communities.  Thank you to the Boards of Gladbrook-Reinbeck, Aplington-Parkersburg, Dike-New Hartford, and Grundy Center for supporting this important work.

Tim Kuehl, Superintendent