2 Siouxland colleges to receive $1M grants for career academy programs
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCAU) — Two community colleges in northwest Iowa will each receive grants from the state worth $1 million to go towards expanding access to career academy programs.
The Iowa Department of Education announced in a release Thursday that nearly $4 million will be awarded to four Iowa colleges. Both Northwest Iowa Community College and Western Iowa Tech Community College's Denison campus will receive $1 million.
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The money comes through Iowa's Career Academy Incentive Fund, which supports partnerships that 'empower more students with multiple pathways to postsecondary success,' according to the Iowa Department of Education.
'Iowa is investing in its future through the Career Academy Incentive Fund,' Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a statement in part. '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.'
Northwest Iowa Community College will use the grant to create a new regional center and career academy for Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in Marcus, per a release from the school.
'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,' Dr. Jon Hartog, the college's president, said in a statement in part. 'I am excited about the positive impact this Regional Center and career academy will have on students and our communities for years to come.'
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Meanwhile, Western Iowa Tech will add career academies for health sciences, welding technology, and HVAC to its currently-under construction regional center. The building is set to open this fall, with these three programs set to open in fall 2026.
Additionally, Southwestern Community College in Creston received $1 million and Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge will be awarded over $944,000.
For more information on Iowa's Career Academy Initiative Fund, .
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