BOONE, Iowa—The Boone Community School District’s highly acclaimed work-based learning initiative, EDGE (Empowering Desire Guiding Experience), gained recognition at the recent National Conference on Education, sponsored by AASA, The School Superintendents Association.

Superintendent Julie Trepa led an engaging roundtable session titled “They Don’t Have to Leave: Unlocking Student Potential and Building Thriving Communities,” highlighting Boone CSD’s innovative approach to integrating work-based learning into its community and its profound impact on student success.

During the session, participants gained valuable insights into the comprehensive framework of Boone’s Portrait of a Graduate and EDGE program, designed to equip students for post-secondary success while addressing the needs of the local community. Superintendent Trepa emphasized EDGE’s adaptability, allowing students to explore various pathways and tailor their career trajectories as their interests and skills evolve.

Additionally, Superintendent Trepa showcased the district’s extensive partnership network, which facilitates a wide array of work-based learning opportunities across various industries for students.

“We take immense pride in the transformative influence of EDGE on our students and community,” said Julie Trepa, BCSD Superintendent. “By sharing our innovative approach at the National Conference on Education, we aim to inspire educators nationwide to reconsider traditional educational models and embrace work-based learning as a powerful tool for student success.”

Educators from across the country attended the session and expressed admiration for Boone CSD’s forward-thinking educational approach.

“The majority of my state, Oregon, is your size or smaller,” said Shelly Reggiani, Ed.D., of the Coalition of Oregon School Administrators. “You have some very inventive and powerful opportunities for your students. I’m grateful I came to your session.”

To learn more about EDGE, visit www.boonecsd.org/o/edge.