At Benton CSD, students have the opportunity to explore potential careers through job shadowing experiences, helping them envision their future paths. In this inspiring video, students share their stories about shadowing professionals in fields like real estate, healthcare, and internet cable technology. They gained valuable insights into what a typical day in these careers looks like.
Through hands-on internships facilitated by the Workplace Learning Connection, high school students can take their learning to the next level. Benton CSD and Kirkwood Community College work together to align courses with students' interests, ensuring they’re prepared to take the next steps toward their goals and make sure they are college and career ready.
Job Shadows and Internships
Benton Community offers High School students hands-on experiences like job shadows and internships, offered in partnership with Kirkwood's Workplace Learning Connection. For more information, please contact Laura Miner at Laura.Miner@kirkwood.edu
Job shadows, available to grades 10-12, provide a half-day glimpse into a wide range of careers like real estate, healthcare, and technology, while internships, for grades 11-12, offer 30+ hours of immersive, hands-on learning with the option to earn college credit. Last year, around 60 Benton students benefited from these programs.
These opportunities help students explore career interests, understand job expectations, and make informed decisions about their future paths. Additionally, Benton Middle School and High School teachers host career speakers, showing how skills like problem-solving and communication apply across professions. For more information, please contact Laura Miner at Laura.Miner@kirkwood.edu
Benton Community School District partners with Junior Achievement (JA) of Eastern Iowa to provide students in grades K-9 with hands-on learning in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.
In grades K-4, volunteers teach foundational concepts like money, careers, and business. Fifth graders participate in JA BizTown, a simulation where they run businesses, elect a mayor, and practice teamwork and decision-making. Sixth graders build on this by creating business plans, developing products, and learning how to run a business.
For grades 7-12, the focus shifts to personal finance and budgeting. Eighth graders participate in JA Finance Park, a simulation where they manage budgets and expenses like housing and transportation, preparing them for real-world financial challenges.
Partnerships
We are proud to collaborate with a range of local businesses and organizations to provide these opportunities. Our partners play a crucial role in supporting student growth and connecting them with real-world experiences.
How to Get Involved
If your business or organization is interested in hosting a student for a job shadow, internship, classroom presentation, or as a Junior Achievement Volunteer, contact Anna Selk at aselk@benton.k12.ia.us.