Posted Online: Aug. 07, 2012, 11:33 pm
New career program designed to bolster out-of-classroom perspectiveComment on this story
Representatives of Black Hawk College, Western Illinois University, Eastern Iowa Community College District, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend and United Way of the Quad Cities Area on Tuesday officially agreed to create the "Quad-Cities Region Career Connections Intermediary." BHC President Thomas Baynum said the new program is intended to expose students to possible careers using exercises such as classroom sessions, job shadowing and workplace tours. The program will give them perspective on how their education can be applied outside the classrooms. "This helps them figure out how it's connected to possible careers they are interested in," he said. Such opportunities already exist, Mr. Baynum said, but the agreement streamlines operations and increases the roles played by the three schools. He also said a coordinator's position has been created to connect high schools and grade schools with resources at the colleges and the university -- as well as businesses and other entities -- needed to provide career-oriented programs for students. For example, schools wanting to do a session on information technology would contact the coordinator who would get them in touch with professionals and other resources, Mr. Baynum said. The coordinator's position has not been filled, Mr. Baynum said. Once chosen, the coordinator will have offices both on the EICC campuses and BHC. Under the agreement, both colleges also will provide support personnel as needed. Funding will be handled by United Way and River Bend. "The pace of change is accelerating rapidly," Mr. Baynum said. Keeping abreast of that change requires cooperation, he said. Eastern Iowa Chancellor Don Doucette said exposing students to potential careers early in their education is fundamental to their success. When students know what they want, they succeed, said Western Vice President Joe Rives said. The expanded program is expected to be ready this fall, Mr. Baynum said. "Starting this September, we are going to have a really robust program," United Way President Scott Crane said. For more information about donating to help, contact United way or River Bend: United Way of the Quad Cities Area 3247 E. 35th Street Court Davenport, IA 52807 563-355-4310 Fax: 563-355-3308 unitedwayqc.org/ Community Foundation of the Great River Bend 852 Middle Rd., Suite 100 Bettendorf, IA 52722 Phone: 563-326-2840 Fax: 563-326-2870 Email: info@cfgrb.org cfgrb.org/ |
