Located in the strategic hub of Burlington, Iowa—a rural tri-state area connecting Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri—leaders are working to expand workforce opportunities. Burlington serves as a regional center with vital amenities including a community college, hospital, and shopping district. It also hosts major employers, from global manufacturers such as Case Construction to energy companies.
United by a shared mission, the Greater Burlington Partnership brings together the Chamber of Commerce, Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Downtown Partners, Inc. The organization’s goal is clear: “to ensure Greater Burlington is a growing regional center of commerce, industry, education, health care, entertainment and culture, which provides a great place to live and work.” By aligning across sectors, the Partnership creates collaborative solutions to common challenges in the local economy.
Building Strong Ties Between Classrooms and Careers
A former English teacher of nearly 10 years, Telisha Van Rycke brings firsthand knowledge of classrooms and community life to her current role as regional director of workforce innovation at the Greater Burlington Partnership. Leading up to the 2025 school year, she worked with superintendents from five school districts to integrate workforce development into teacher professional development days.
Telisha builds strong relationships with educators, supporting them through teacher appreciation events and initiatives that link students to the business community. She also organizes a regional teacher delegation for the Des Moines Education Conference, encouraging collaboration and shared problem-solving across districts.
-
5
School districts engaged
-
20
Leadership program participants annually
-
5
VR headsets purchased for student career exploration
Celebrating Service and Leadership
In addition to strengthening education connections, Telisha fosters community engagement with local businesses. This year, she launched the Community Cup, a friendly competition that celebrates major employers for their community service, events hosted, and local participation. The inaugural year saw strong involvement, and she plans to expand the event as a signature celebration of engagement and leadership.
Telisha also facilitates the Greater Burlington Leadership Program, guiding 20 participants each year from September through May. Participants explore community leadership, culminating in a trip to the state capitol to advocate for issues they care about, from economic development to housing.
Innovating with Technology to Inspire Students
Amid growing conversations about technology’s role in workforce development, Telisha launched a career exploration program using virtual reality (VR). Supported by a grant, the program provides students with headsets that simulate real-world careers—from surgical technician to mechanical engineer. Students not only learn about training requirements, wages, and job outlooks but also experience “a day in the life” of each profession.
The program gathers valuable data on student interests and aptitudes, enabling educators and businesses to align opportunities with emerging workforce needs.
Turning Relationships into Career Opportunities
When Telisha joined the Greater Burlington Partnership, she quickly applied to the U.S Chamber Foundation’s Business Leads Fellowship Program to learn from peers across the country. The experience shaped her vision for regional workforce development and inspired her to expand local initiatives. Working with a community leader, she established events like Senior Signing Day and the Manufacturer’s Luncheon, designed to connect students directly with employers. At these luncheons, she invites both industry leaders and students, creating opportunities for meaningful relationships.
One memorable success story is Max, a Burlington High School student who, at age 17, met a manufacturer at a luncheon. After impressing company representatives, Max secured an internship that led to a full-time job offer before graduation. Today, he continues to thrive in that role.
Stories like Max’s inspire Telisha to continue bridging education and business. Looking ahead, she hopes to extend these opportunities to students interested in education careers, ensuring the region builds a pipeline not only of workers but also of future teachers.
Through initiatives that unite classrooms, companies, and community leaders, Telisha Van Rycke and the Greater Burlington Partnership are shaping a future where every student can see a path to success right here at home. By aligning innovation in education with the region’s economic strengths, Greater Burlington continues to grow as a model for how small communities can build big opportunities—one partnership at a time.
About the author
Caitlyn Aversman
Caitlyn Aversman is associate manager of K-12 education programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
