665704 - 2025-2026 Expanding High-Quality Work-Based Learning Through Collaborative Design
Funding Opportunity Details

Work-based Learning (WBL) Support & Expansion

Final Application Deadline: May 3, 2026 11:59 PM

Description

• Expanding High-Quality Work-Based Learning Through Collaborative Design
  “2025-2026 AY – WBL Launch Sprint Opportunity”

   

  Priority may be given to districts that demonstrate readiness to implement project‑based Work‑Based Learning experiences, the capacity to develop resources for statewide use, and newer CTE educators or emerging Work‑Based Learning programs.

   

   

  Iowa school districts will have the opportunity to strengthen local Work-Based Learning (WBL) systems by applying to participate in a WBL Launch Sprint through the Bureau of CTE and Postsecondary Readiness. This competitive opportunity will support districts and employer partners in co-designing high-quality, project-based WBL experiences that are classroom-ready, employer-informed, and scalable across Iowa.

   

  The WBL Launch Sprint is a structured 4- to 6-week development process that provides district educators with coaching, collaboration, technical support, and a stipend as they work with employer partners to design authentic student learning experiences tied to career exploration, career readiness, and workforce preparation. Through the Sprint process, participating districts will develop a complete, classroom-ready WBL project and a publishable Sprint Kit for local implementation and statewide dissemination.

   

  High-quality WBL helps students connect classroom learning to real-world application, build durable skills, strengthen career awareness, and engage directly with employers. This opportunity is designed to expand access to meaningful student experiences while strengthening school-employer partnerships across Iowa.

   

  Districts interested in participating must complete an application. Applicants will be reviewed based on the established criteria for the opportunity. In determining selections, districts must demonstrate readiness to engage in the full Sprint process, collaborate with employer partners, and develop implementation-ready materials that support both local use and statewide sharing.

   

  If selected, districts will participate in the full 4- to 6-week Sprint and develop a complete set of project resources. Each Sprint Kit will include materials designed to help districts launch, communicate, and sustain a high-quality WBL experience.

   

  Required components may include:

  • Program blueprint

  • Employer onboarding tools

  • Risk-management guidance

  • Communication materials

  • Implementation supports for classroom and partner use

  • Additional tools or resources identified through the Sprint process

   

  All completed Sprint Kits will be added to the Iowa Work-Based Learning Clearinghouse to expand access to authentic, high-quality WBL experiences for students statewide. By contributing these resources, participating districts will strengthen local programming while supporting other Iowa schools seeking adaptable WBL models and tools.

   

  This opportunity is intended to help districts:

  • Strengthen collaboration between educators and employer partners

  • Develop high-quality, project-based WBL experiences ready for implementation

  • Create reusable tools and materials that support local program quality and sustainability

  • Expand statewide access to effective WBL resources through the WBL Clearinghouse

   

  Funding for this opportunity is provided through Iowa’s Work-Based Learning Clearinghouse State Appropriation.

   

  Questions about this opportunity may be directed to Jodie Smith, WBL and IRC Consultant, at jodie.smith@iowa.gov.

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