GrowCB is a program of the Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce. GrowCB is intended to be a conduit and platform for youth-business partnerships. The program will be an ongoing program in which businesses provide work-based experiences directly to area students. The purpose of such a program is to help young people appreciate the importance of quality education and how it relates to opportunities in the workforce. Students will also explore the local workforce while continuing to focus on their education. The program will require a mutual commitment from the chamber, businesses, students, student program, and area schools, who will work together to provide career awareness, exploration, and experience opportunities.
Each partnership is unique in that there is not a set curriculum. If a business is partnering through an area school districts’ “work-based learning” or another student program, they become a GrowCB Business Member.
For your participation as a GrowCB business partner, you will receive a GrowCB plaque during a GrowCB celebration at your business. The Mayor, CEO/President of the Chamber, and the CB Ambassadors will be present at your plaque celebration. The CB Chamber will promote your presentation on its website, newsletters, and social media platform before and after the event. Your business logo and a hyperlink to your website will be listed on this page as a GrowCB Business Member. If you are also a youth employer, please let Workforce Development Director, Alicia Frieze know and your business will also be listed on our youth employer job board.
Council Bluffs Area Chamber of Commerce
Youth Employer Partnership
You can become a GrowCB partner directly through the chamber by being a youth employer. To register as a youth employer please complete the registration form below.
Here are additional things to consider implementing if you decide to be a youth employer.
Council Bluffs Community School District
The Council Bluffs Community School District would like to partner with your business to provide high school students work-based learning opportunities.
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Current Program Opportunities
If you are interested in learning more or becoming a partner of the Council Bluffs Community School District, please contact D'Lisa. Once you have come to an agreement with CBCSD, the CB Chamber will reach out to you to make GrowCB arrangements.
Career EdVantage SWI
Career EdVantage SWI (CEV) is a nonprofit organization established in 2019 and is focused on career exploration, development, and readiness for youth in Southwest Iowa. CEV provides educational and training opportunities for committed students through meaningful relationships and supportive coaching.
CEV collaborates with business partners to offer education and training opportunities and experiences for students, such as workplace tours, job shadows, industry consultations, internships, apprenticeships, and employment placement.
CEV currently operates in eight school districts in Southwest Iowa, including AHSTW, Tri-Center, Riverside, Shenandoah, Lewis Central, Treynor, Glenwood, and Underwood.
CEV is always seeking more businesses to solidify partnerships and collaborative efforts.
Benefits for the business partner include filling specific employment needs, employing youth – providing them the chance to gain crucial experience, employees that have wraparound support from a trained coach, and employing local, talented, and prepared Iowans.
Lewis Central Community School District
Lewis Central High School
Assistant Principal
Joe Vinchattle
jvinchattle@lewiscentral.org | 712-366-8219
GrowCB Business Members
Testimonials
Below are links to business partners' social media posts, blogs, and testimonials.