Career exploration often begins long before students make decisions about college or the workforce. Kirkwood Community College’s Kirkwood Interactive Camps for Kids (KICK) help introduce youth to a variety of career fields through hands-on learning experiences that encourage curiosity, creativity and problem-solving.
KICK camps serve youth ages 8–15 and focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). In addition, students can also choose culinary arts options or communication and writing camps as well. Offerings are held on Kirkwood’s main campus in Cedar Rapids, at the Kirkwood Regional Center at the University of Iowa in Coralville and online.
The camps are designed to help participants connect classroom concepts with real-world careers. Through interactive projects and activities, students explore industries such as health care, aviation, engineering, culinary arts and technology while practicing teamwork, communication and critical-thinking skills. Camp topics include experiences such as Crime Scene Investigators, Rocket Science, Future Health Heroes, and Mock Trial, allowing participants to see how classroom learning applies in a variety of professions.
Introducing students to careers at an early age can help them better understand how their interests connect to future educational and career opportunities. Rather than learning about occupations through books or presentations alone, participants gain firsthand experience by completing activities similar to those performed in many professions.
Last year, Kirkwood expanded those opportunities by introducing KICK Careers, a new series of camps for teens. The camps provide additional hands-on experiences that allow participants to explore career fields in greater depth while learning about the skills and education associated with different professions. Specialized camps such as CNC Machining & Welding, Marketing & Business, and Aviation Maintenance, give participants an opportunity to experience careers through realistic, hands-on activities.
Programs such as KICK reflect a growing emphasis on early career awareness as future generations prepare for an evolving workforce. Exposure to career pathways at a young age can help students make more informed decisions as they progress through middle school, high school and eventually college or career training.
Beyond career exploration, KICK camps help participants build transferable skills that are valuable in nearly every profession. Working in teams, solving problems and thinking creatively are integrated throughout the camp experience, helping students develop confidence while learning in a supportive environment.
By introducing young learners to a broad range of career possibilities, KICK camps contribute to a stronger pipeline of future talent for eastern Iowa. The experiences encourage students to explore new interests while helping them understand the many educational and career pathways available in the region.
KICK camps are currently happening throughout the summer. For more information, including camp offerings and schedules, visit www.kirkwood.edu/kick.