Iowa’s Annual Work-Based Learning Conference

Giving today’s students quality experiences for informed futures. Learn about best practices in work-based learning from across the state.

To facilitate registration for groups of five or more, please send your request to IowaWBL@gmail.com. Upon receipt of your request, an invoice will be provided. Additionally, groups of five or more utilizing an invoice will receive a $10 discount per registrant. We look forward to accommodating your group registration needs.

Social capital isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the ultimate career accelerator. In today’s fast-paced world, it’s not optional; it is absolutely essential for long-term success. Now is the moment to dive into how social capital can break down the socio-economic barriers many students face, with schools and colleges leading the charge in the opportunity to shape student futures. Packed with critical insights and actionable strategies, this is the session educators need to level up their game for empowerment, inclusivity, and transformative experiences. Educators, administrators, and counselors will walk away with the tools to create experiences that supercharge student social capital. The future is ours to shape—let’s make sure no student gets left in the dust.

Kristy Volesky is an educational advocate who ambitiously supports students, teachers, schools, colleges, businesses and communities. With a passion for collaboration, Kristy has always sought ways to streamline educational programs and initiatives with key business and community leaders to efficiently address local challenges. Kristy’s experience teaching, leading, collaborating and developing solutions with industry thought leaders has led to the advancement of effective work-based learning practices locally and nationally.

Kristy serves on ACTE’s Work-based Learning Policy Team and co-leads the monthly state leader network collaboration with the Coalition for the Career Development Network. Kristy supports a national work-based learning masterclass with Catapult PD and was a facilitator for the national Career Z Challenge, a prize competition from the U.S. Department of Education.

Kristy has over 20 years of educational experience as a teacher, work-based learning coordinator, educator, state level program consultant and national leader in work-based learning. She recently published her first book, Transformational Work-Based Learning to support coordinators overseeing internship programs. Kristy holds a bachelor’s degree in business education and a master’s degree in organizational leadership.