Future Ready Iowa granted Central College a $9,099 Summer Youth Internship Program grant to invest in the future of Iowa’s workforce. Future Ready Iowa connects Iowans to the education and training required for good-paying jobs and careers to improve people’s lives. The Future Ready Iowa goal is to have 70% of Iowans with education and training beyond high school by 2025.
“The Summer Youth Internship goal is to build a pathway from classes in high school to the information technology on-campus workshop to the workplace,” says Teri Vos, director of Central’s work-based learning program. “We want to advance youth toward a successful future and local career opportunities in their chosen fields.”
The grant supports information technology specialist certification to prepare students for IT careers. The two-week summer intensive training leads to a six-week work-based learning experience with mentor support. Students learn key technology and employability skills identified by local partner employers for on-the-job experience that allows the students to practice their newfound skills.
The program focuses on youth in Marion County and surrounding high schools. Students receive one college credit for the two-week workshop and another two college credits for the work experience. They will present to area businesses, family members and supporters after the workshop and again at the end of the summer.
Students interested in this certification training may contact Teri Vos at vost@central.edu or call 641-628-5243.
