The Fort Dodge Community School District will provide Fort Dodge Senior High School freshmen with a hands-on career exploration experience on Tuesday as part of the GEAR UP Iowa program, a statewide initiative supporting underserved students as they prepare for life after high school.

Approximately 50 freshmen students will participate in the experience, rotating in two groups through local organizations including Spin Markket + Digital and the Fort Dodge Fire Department. Each group will spend about an hour learning about career pathways, workplace skills, and opportunities in marketing, business, and entrepreneurship.

This opportunity is part of a grant awarded to Fort Dodge Community School District through GEAR UP Iowa (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs), a federally funded program designed to increase the number of students who are prepared to enter and succeed in postsecondary education.

Through partnerships with school districts across Iowa, GEAR UP provides academic support, career exploration, college exposure, and guidance for students and families — often beginning as early as middle school and continuing through high school graduation and beyond.

“Experiences like this help students see the connection between their interests and real career pathways,” said Carrie Rock, career education coordinator. “Through GEAR UP Iowa and our partnerships with local employers, we’ve been able to offer a series of visits like this one, giving students meaningful exposure that helps them explore opportunities and make informed decisions about their future.”

During their visit to Spin Markket + Digital, students will:

• Learn about careers in marketing, digital strategy, and business operations.

• Hear directly from professionals about career journeys and skill development.

• Explore how creativity, technology, and communication intersect in today’s workforce.

During their visit to the Fort Dodge Fire Department, students will:

• Learn about careers in firefighting and emergency medical services.

• Hear directly from first responders about their career paths, training, and daily responsibilities.

• Explore how teamwork, quick decision-making, physical skills, and communication are critical in emergency situations.

Following the business visits, students will continue their day with a campus tour and lunch at Iowa Central Community College, reinforcing the connection between career pathways and postsecondary education opportunities.

The GEAR UP Iowa initiative currently serves thousands of students across the state, helping them build the academic skills, confidence, and awareness needed to pursue college and career success.

This collaborative experience between Fort Dodge Community School District, local businesses, and higher education partners reflects a shared commitment to preparing students for successful futures and strengthening Iowa’s workforce.