Charles City
Meet with your College & Career Transition Counselor!
As your College & Career Transition Counselor (CCTC), I’m here to support you and your family throughout high school and as you prepare for life after graduation. This includes exploring careers, applying to college or apprenticeships, and preparing you for employment.
As a CCTC, each week I spend full days on your high school campus so I can provide one‑on‑one guidance tailored to your post‑secondary goals.
641-422-4326
kari.staack@niacc.edu
Get to Know Me & What I Do !!
My name is Kari Staack and I am a College and Career Transition Counselor for North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) located in Mason City, Iowa. The mission of being a CCTC is in guiding students and young adults through the complex processes of navigating post-high school decisions in careers or post-secondary education, and to support the preparation of students for their future. I serve the North Butler School District as well as the Charles City School District.
I bring with me many years of supporting students and adults in their quest for personal and professional growth as a former Instructional Coach, teacher, post-secondary instructor, and parent of four grown children. As parents we have helped our children navigate the world of, "What do we do now?" decisions to make plans after finishing up high school. As a College and Career Transition Counselor, I hope to bring my experiences, knowledge, and encouragement to all students planning for their future.
The career path I have experienced has included teaching 6th grade in the Johnston Community School District in Johnston, Iowa, one year teaching 5th grade math in the West Des Moines School District, and then a move to the Waverly-Shell Rock School district to finish my first career as an elementary gifted and talented coordinator, 7th grade literacy teacher, and then as an Instructional Coach.
My own college and career readiness path began at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa, and then on to Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa, earing a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education with endorsements in ELA, Early Childhood Education, and Talented and Gifted. After beginning my teaching career I returned to higher education earning a Masters Degree in Education.
Things I love include spending time with my husband, our four children and their + ones, enjoying our grandchildren as they grow, watching UNI Men's Rugby (one son is an alum of the team and our youngest is currently on the team. Our two older sons play for the Bremer County Bucks out of Waverly, IA). I also really love volleyball (however I can watch it), listening to audiobooks (I listened to 88 audiobooks so far in 2025 with a goal of reaching 100), and learning something new everyday.
When To Find Me!
When will I be on campus?
-
I will be on campus every week on Wednesdays and Thursdays! However, I sometimes have adjustments to my calendar so thank you for your flexibility in scheduling meetings with me. :-)
Resources For You
Kari's Website for Students & Parents
Go to website : Kari's Website
What Do You Want To Do?
Career: The Questions
Iowa: Careers in Demand
College: Which is Best for Me?
Non-College: Continuing Ed.
NIACC offers anything from Degrees to Diplomas and even Certificates!
If you're seeking a non-traditional educational path, explore our short-term programs designed to quickly equip you with the skills needed to enter the workforce.
Check out Education to Employment for further information!
FASFA Federal Student Aid
Scholarships
- State of Iowa | Grants and Scholarships
- Last-Dollar Scholarship Interactive Checklist
- Your School's Scholarships - ask your CCTC
- Foundation Scholarship
- Link Scholarship
- Graduate @ NIACC > Finish @ Waldorf for same $
Professional Development
NIACC Resources
Rent/Buy Textbooks
Get a Head Start on College - While Still in High School!
What is Dual Enrollment?
.png?width=350&height=44&name=Call%20to%20Action%20(5).png){kind=icon}
- No Cost To Students: NIACC offers high school students the unique opportunity to earn FREE college credits before graduation.
- Dual Credit: Students receive high school credits while receiving college credit.
- Flexible Delivery: Students have course options of face-to-face at high school or at NIACC, online, or hybrid.
- Career-Focused Academies: Some programs are organized as academies, giving students a head start in high-demand fields—such as manufacturing, construction, IT, and health-related careers.
- Admissions Process: High schoolers taking concurrent enrollment don’t need to fill out a separate NIACC admissions application; their registration form for the courses already serves as their admission.
NIACC Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Concurrent Enrollment at NIACC?
- Save on Tuition Costs: Earn college credits at no charge!
- Flexible Learning Options: Pick from courses that suit your interests and schedule, all taught by experienced instructors.
- Smooth Transition to College Life: Tackle real college-level classes and build skills that will help you thrive in any higher‑ed setting.
- Robust Support & Resources: Tap into NIACC’s full range of academic support—tutoring, library access, advising, career counseling, wellness support, and more.
Why Is NIACC The Best Choice After High School?
- Strong Academic Reputation: NIACC is recognized for its commitment to excellence in education and has a track record of preparing students for successful careers.
- Supportive Community: Enjoy a welcoming campus environment where students, faculty, and staff are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.
- Pathways to Success: Whether you plan to transfer to a four-year university or enter the workforce, NIACC provides the guidance and opportunities to reach your aspirations.
How Do I Get Started?