“It’s kinda obvious,” Lindaman said. Still, “it’s so amazing to be the first K-12 program that is part of this roster.”

The career center, which opened in 2016 with 37 students in two programs, had 18 programs and approximately 1,800 students in the past year. Students from seven other public school systems and three private schools can also enroll. It is located at 1348 Katoski Drive in the same building as Central Middle School.

Ann Lebo, director of the Iowa Department of Education, also spoke at the event.

“These partnerships are exactly what we need to rethink how we do school and what we think of opportunities – and what that means for our children and our communities,” she said. “So, I am more than happy to promote this partnership. “

Holcomb noted that the state is funding a college and a career center transition counselor starting this fall that will help students consider such opportunities, including the Cedar Valley Degree Links program.

Lindaman said a new initiative launched in the fall will start preparing kindergarten students to think about their future after high school.

“Waterloo Schools has a huge mission in the state of Iowa to have a K-12 career development process,” she said. Students will focus on elements of self-awareness, interests and skills, career planning and work experience over the years during their studies. “The Waterloo Career Center is just one part of this career development.