The Iowa Department of Education recently released new data showing that 45% of Iowa high school seniors in the class of 2025 participated in at least one work-based learning experience. This is an increase of nearly 20 percentage points over the last two years, up from 31.7% in 2024 and 25.5% in 2023, a news release said. Iowa is currently implementing 2025 legislation requiring career exploration beginning in fifth grade and, Iowa’s class of 2026 will be the first class to receive industry-recognized credential seals on their high school diplomas, according to the release. The U.S. Department of Education recently approved the Iowa Department of Education’s updated state Career and Technical Education (CTE) plan to meet the requirements of the federal Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. To view the updated plan, click here.