The Marion County educational institutions have a reputation for problem-solving and excellence. Public and private partners work together to deliver a system of educational opportunities to enrich lives and connect to career opportunities. Our classrooms are alive with discovery!
The Opportunity2 Economic Development Region implements professional development courses for educators each summer. One program works within the Indian Hills Community College district while Marion County Development works with DMACC Business Resources to provide a course focusing on Marion County employers.
WorkSMART Connector brings students and employers together through career awareness, career exploration, work-based experience, and talent advancement. The local collaboration between area employers, K-12 schools, Central College, and community colleges, focuses on Marion County and the surrounding area. WorkSMART Connector guides students through their career decision-making process, while providing employment preparation and college credit for participants’ work-based learning including apprenticeship and certification.
Opportunity Knox is our Career & College Readiness program for all PK-12 students. This program will incorporate the skills identified for our Portrait of a Panther. Strategic opportunities feature Awareness, Exploration, and Experiences. Each activity is grade level appropriate and involves the community and/or other partnerships with local businesses.
CAP is a state-of-the-art building where courses and programs focus on career and technical education. Students are introduced to a variety of skilled areas where they experience hands-on learning, helping them identify areas of interest and guide them toward relevant post-secondary education.
A program of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry Foundation, Business Horizons is a weeklong innovation simulation to get a better sense of how strengths and skills connect to the business world and the real world. Students (grades 9-12) from across the state attend for 5 days to explore career opportunities and immerse themselves in a unique, hands-on working environment with their peers. The program has enjoyed more than 35 years of success in Iowa, and over 5,000 students have taken advantage of the Business Horizons experience. The program is held at Central College in Marion County.
