KIRKWOOD REGIONAL CENTER AT THE UNIVERSITY OF IOWA
NOW
OPEN!
YOUR COMMUNITY. YOUR COLLEGE.
Unique Vision
Kirkwood, the University of Iowa, regional K-12 school
districts, Grant Wood AEA, along with industry partners,
have strategically aligned to form a unique
partnership connecting resources across
the educational spectrum. This partnership
will create a viable, educated workforce
to sustain the competitive advantage and
quality of life in our region. A center and
partnership like this exist nowhere in
the country.
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Pioneering Solutions
The Kirkwood Regional
Center at the University of
Iowa will serve as a catalyst
for college and career
exploration, certification and
degree attainment for 21st
century learners by:
• Creating an environment that
motivates students to consider Science,
Technology, Engineering and Math
(STEM) education.
• Encouraging students to explore multiple
career and educational options, while
increasing their confidence to compete and
succeed in two- and four-year degree programs.
• Connecting key faculty,
staff and industry to
STEM expertise via
the unique training and
research facilities, both
public and private, that
exist in the region.
• Linking the assets
of center partners to
develop, implement,
assess and evaluate
evidence-based models of
teaching and learning.
• Connecting successful
professional development
practices from local
districts, Kirkwood and the
University of Iowa, to other
partners in the region.
• Facilitating research
interactions for students
with University of
Iowa faculty.
STEM
EDUCATION
Career awareness and
workforce development
will be further advanced
through the
activities and
programs
promoted
through the
Southeast STEM Region in
partnership with Kirkwood
Community College and
the University of Iowa. This
is one of six regional STEM
hubs that were established
through the work of the
governor’s STEM council.
www.iowastem.gov/hubs
• Enhancing programs at the center to include 21st century
learning skills, including entrepreneurial/innovative thinking
skills, and exploring new programs for dual/triple credit.
•Providing a place for educational leaders to collaborate
and discuss best practices.
Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa
UI’s Research Park Campus, Coralville
OPPORTUNITY
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Coral Ridge Ave.
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•Grant Wood Area Education Agency services
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•Financial aid services, academic advising andcareer
counseling services.
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University
of Iowa
Research
Park
The Kirkwood Regional Center
at the University of Iowa
2301 Oakdale Boulevard, Coralville, IA 52242
•Liberal Arts and Sciences transfer courses.
•College readiness assessment, placement exams
and National Career Readiness Certification.
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•Innovative, high-tech career academies with industry
recognized certifications.
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With global vision and innovative curriculum, key partners
are creating new learning opportunities. The Kirkwood
Regional Center at the University of Iowa is a long-term
educational investment for the central Kirkwood region
offering traditional college programming as well as:
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•Kirkwood Continuing Education courses and
certification programs.
Students may follow several different pathways after completing Kirkwood's
career academies. Examples include college certificates, diplomas, associates,
bachelors and graduate degrees, in addition to immediate employment.
Career Academy Benefits
In cooperation with area school districts, high school students land in hands-on
technical programs and arts and sciences classes. By partnering, students now have
access to highly technical state-of-the-art labs. Training students in these areas can
lead to high-skill, high-wage career opportunities.
• Earn both high school and college credit at NO COST to their families.
• Explore specific career fields to help them make decisions about their future.
• Jump-start an applied science diploma, degree or technical certificate at Kirkwood.
• Earn fully transferrable credit they can take with them to a university.
• Access high-tech companies and research centers on the University of Iowa campus such as the State H
ygienic Laboratory, National Advanced Driving
Simulator, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa Institute for Hydraulics
Research, and Center for Computer Aided Design.
• Access opportunities to join in research projects with University of Iowa faculty.
School District Partners
Career Academy Offerings
Solon Community
Tipton Community
West Branch Community
West Liberty Community
*Denotes STEM based program
• Advanced Manufacturing/
Engineering Technology*
• Industrial Maintenance/Renewable Energy/Automation*
- American Welding Society MIG Welder
qualification and National Institute for
Metalworking Skills
• Information Technology*
- (NIMS) machining certificate
• Agriculture Science
• Architecture, Construction
& Engineering (ACE)
• Arts & Sciences*
• Business
• Computer Software Development
• Criminal Justice
• Iowa STEM Innovator
• Laboratory Technician*
(Developed with the University
of Iowa and State Hygienic Lab)
• Patient Care*
- First Aid/CPR and nurse a id certification
• Pharmacy Technician*
- Pharmacy Technician certification
• Pre-Professional
• Project Lead the Way*:
• Education
- Biomedical
• Emergency Medical Services*
- Civil Engineering
- Computer Integrated Manufacturing
- Computer Software Engineering
- Digital Electronics
- Introduction to Engineering Design
- Principles of Engineering
- EMT & CPR certification
• Graphics, Media Communications
and Design*
• Hotel Management
• Human Services (Pre Social Work)
College credit
for high school
Students
Clear Creek-Amana
College Community
Iowa City Community
Regina Catholic Education Center
START HERE.
GO ANYWHERE!
• Transportation*
students is not
limited to the
Kirkwood regional
centers. Kirkwood
continues to
partner with area
school districts for
other concurrent
enrollment
opportunities
within the walls of
each high school.
PROOF IN
NUMBERS
According to a recent Iowa State
University study* that focused on
direct from high school students who
had earned college credit while still in
high school:
• 72% of entering students who
were Iowa residents already had college credit.
• Early college credit students had
higher GPAs, higher graduation rates and changed their majors less than those who did not take college c redit in high school.
• Early college credit students
added minors and second majors
more frequently.
• The amount of credit didn’t affect success. Any amount of college credit taken in high s chool better prepared students f or future educational success.
The Workplace Learning Connection
Co-locating at the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa is the
Workplace Learning Connection. Fully embedded in the learning experience
at the regional center, the Workplace Learning Connection brings students
together with local business and industry to provide
job shadows and internships. Workplace Learning
Connection is a valuable career exploration tool
schools can use to help students understand that
what they’re learning in school is applicable to real
life. Recent job shadow data indicates that Kirkwood’s programming aligns
with many “hot jobs” students want including health care occupations,
engineering and teaching.
Accredited
Kirkwood’s concurrent enrollment options are accredited by National Alliance
of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP), a national peer-reviewed
accrediting body that safeguards the quality of concurrent enrollment options.
To earn accreditation from NACEP, Kirkwood was judged on criteria such
as instructor preparation and qualifications, curriculum alignment, student
services, assessment and evaluation.
*
Iowa State University Early Credit Task Force
Final Report, December 2011
www.kirkwood.edu/regionalcenters