Sheldon, Iowa — Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon will receive a one-million-dollar grant.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ office advises us that the governor and the Iowa Department of Education have awarded four Iowa community colleges nearly $4 million in competitive grants through the state’s Career Academy Incentive Fund (CAIF). Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) has been selected to receive $1 million of this funding to establish a new Regional Center and career academy for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Marcus, Iowa.
Reynolds says “Iowa is investing in its future through the Career Academy Incentive Fund. High school students across the state gain valuable experience, skills, and credentials that will not only help shape their futures, but will also build the next generation of workers in our communities. I applaud Iowa Central Community College, Northwest Iowa Community College, Southwestern Community College, and Western Iowa Tech Community College for their continued work to grow career academies that prepare students for in-demand careers here in Iowa.”
Northwest Iowa Community College officials tell us career academies offer high school students the opportunity to gain industry-recognized credentials, college credit, and hands-on experience while exploring high-demand fields. They say these academies are vital to expanding access to CTE programs and meeting the growing need for skilled workers across the state.
With the awarded funds, NCC officials tell us they plan to create a new 7,000-square-foot Regional Center in Marcus. The facility would be equipped with three classrooms, a computer lab, and a dedicated health care lab for certified nurse assistant education. The new Regional Center will offer career academy programs in Education, Healthcare, Welding, and Design Technology. The funds will also support the renovation of existing labs at MMCRU High School, further enhancing the educational opportunities for students.
Dr. John Hartog, President of Northwest Iowa Community College says, “We are thankful to have been awarded the CAIF Grant from Governor Reynolds and the state of Iowa.” He says the facility will be in cooperation with partnering schools: South O’Brien, Kingsley-Pierson, and River Valley High Schools.
Dr. Hartog says NCC is deeply committed to student success and fostering partnerships that provide meaningful educational opportunities for students in our rural communities.
He says, “This initiative will give high school students the opportunity to explore career pathways, gain essential workforce skills, and help strengthen our region’s talent pipeline. We are grateful for the collaboration with Superintendent Barkel and the partnering high schools, as well as any future schools that may join us, in making this opportunity a reality. I am excited about the positive impact this Regional Center and career academy will have on students and our communities for years to come.”
