Three decades of Partners in Education

Since 1986, Waterloo Schools has been working with area businesses to provide learning opportunities, encouragement, and financial support to the education of our students. Today, the Partners in Education program has grown to include more than 50 businesses across the Cedar Valley, encompassing enterprises from a variety of industries and professionals from all walks of life.

One of Waterloo Schools newest hires, Kelly Martin, is manning the helm of this expanding program. Acting as the strategic partnership coordinator, Martin is working to match local businesses with partnership opportunities, and finding unique and impactful ways for them to connect with today’s students. One of the goals of PIE is to enable Waterloo students to learn about local career paths, and build relationships with individuals who can help them make their dream jobs a reality.

With partners like John Deere, Veridian, VGM, Hawkeye Community College, and First Security State Bank, students are exposed to their own limitless potential through events such as Career Inspire and job shadows.

“I would describe my role as a liaison be- tween our students and business partners in the community,” said Martin. “I chose this position because it will allow me to help bridge the gaps currently in our community.”

Currently, Martin is working on a new volunteer program, called Greeters for Greatness which helps give students a spark of encouragement at the start of their day, as volunteer community members welcome them into school. Martin says this simple gesture of kindness and care from the community reminds students that they have people all across the Cedar Valley rooting for them. Additionally, it gives students the opportunity to meet folks from various professions and walks of life, whom may become helpful advisors to students throughout their life.

“It’s really about getting the kids plugged in at a young age,” said Martin. “We want them to know there are people and careers right here ready for them once they graduate or begin searching for their first job as a teenager.”

Je Frost, executive director of professional technical education, says Martin has been warmly welcomed in this role, and has been

Please see PARTNERS, Page 11