Engaging the Next Generation

Connecting Area College Students with the Greater Dubuque Region

At Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, we understand the importance of engaging with the talented college students who call our region home will embarking on their pursuits in higher education. These students represent the future workforce, innovators, and community leaders who will shape the prosperity of the Greater Dubuque region in the years to come. That's why we are committed to making meaningful connections with them now, ensuring they feel welcomed, valued, and inspired to stay in the Greater Dubuque region after graduation.

Welcome Students Letters: A Personal Touch

One of the key initiatives in our student engagement strategy is the annual Welcome Students Letter Campaign. This campaign is more than just a gesture—it's our way of reaching out to both students and their families to introduce them to the community. In collaboration with the Mayor of Dubuque and local higher education institutions, we sent out over 1,500 letters to the home addresses of college students this year. Additionally, more than 5,000 personalized emails will be sent directly to students' inboxes. These letters and emails not only offer a warm welcome but also provide valuable information about the resources available to students, the unique aspects of our community, and the many opportunities to get involved.

Work that Works: Bridging the Gap Between Students and Employers

The transition from student to professional can be daunting, which is why we've developed the Work that Works program. This initiative is designed to create flexible, meaningful employment opportunities that fit into students' busy academic schedules. By connecting students with regional employers who understand and accommodate their needs, we help them gain valuable work experience, earn an income, and build professional networks—all of which can lead to long-term career opportunities in the Greater Dubuque region.

Community of Colleges: Building Stronger Connections

Our YOU can be great here Community of Colleges event series takes engagement to the next level by providing a platform for students to interact directly with the community and regional businesses. Last year, we engaged over 1,000 students across 5 events, offering students a firsthand look at how YOU can be great here in the Greater Dubuque region through a variety of events, such as career fairs, networking opportunities, and social outings. The events are tailored to showcase the vibrant landscape of both professional and personal opportunities in our region while creating connections that make our students feel like an integral part of the Greater Dubuque community. Our 2024-2025 series of 5 unique events will kick off this year with the Derby Grange College Night on September 18, 2024 and conclude with the AccessDubuqueJobs.com Spring Career Fair on March 26, 2024.

Student Discounts: Supporting Students and Local Businesses

We are excited to announce a new initiative in collaboration with the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce: a collection of student discounts offered by local businesses. With a central webpage set go live soon, this initiative aims to make it easier for students to experience everything our community has to offer while saving a few bucks. Whether it’s dining at a local restaurant, shopping at a unique boutique, or enjoying a recreational activity, these discounts will not only help students save money but also encourage them to explore and get to know local businesses. This initiative is a win-win, fostering stronger ties between students and the community while boosting the local economy. Students will be notified about the discount portal at our upcoming Community of Colleges events and receive a key tag with a QR code to help them easily and repeatedly navigate to the site.

Our Commitment to Student Engagement

Engaging college students and retaining their talent is not just a goal—it’s a commitment. By providing programs and opportunities that make students feel connected, appreciated, and invested in the Greater Dubuque region, we are laying the groundwork for a vibrant, diverse, and dynamic future workforce. We believe that by fostering these connections today, we can retain the brilliant minds of tomorrow, ensuring that the Greater Dubuque region remains a thriving and prosperous place to live, work, and grow.

For more information about our programs and initiatives, please contact our offices at 563-557-9049 or send an email to connect with Mandi Dolson, Director of Workforce Recruitment & Retention at mandid@greaterdubuque.org or Nic Hockenberry, Director of Workforce Programming at nicolash@greaterdubuque.org. Stay tuned for more updates, and join us in welcoming and demonstrating to these students how YOU can be great here in the Greater Dubuque region.