Iowa community colleges to use state grant dollars for career academy expansions
Four Iowa community colleges will use a combined almost $4 million in state funding to develop or expand career academies for student and workforce needs.
The Iowa Department of Education and Gov. Kim Reynolds announced in a recent news release that Northwest Iowa Community College, Southwestern Community College and Western Iowa Tech Community College will each receive $1 million grants and Iowa Central Community College will receive more than $944,000 to create new programs and increase access to critical job training.
'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, ' Reynolds said in the release. '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.'
SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
According to the release, Southwestern, Western Iowa Tech and Iowa Central community colleges will use their grants to add new programming to existing regional centers. Regional centers are described in the release as 'designated facilities for the delivery of CTE programming that must provide access to at least four career academy programs and serve a minimum of four school districts or a combined minimum of 120 students from at least two school districts.'
Southwestern Community College will build a new skilled trades facility, renovate current spaces and develop a welding technology career center at its Creston regional center with its grant funding, according to the release. The center serves five school districts, which previously have been unable to offer welding courses.
Western Iowa Tech Community College's regional center in Denison is still under construction with plans to open this fall, the release stated, and grant funding will go toward welding technologies, health sciences and HVAC career academies.
Iowa Central Community College will focus its grant funding on its culinary arts career academy, one of seven offered at the college's Fort Dodge regional center. The college will renovate its facility to add a state-of-the-art kitchen and front-of-house spaces, according to the release, bring in its teaching restaurant and construct bakery and coffee shop spaces in the space.
Northwest Iowa Community College President John Hartog said in a news release the college will work with partnering high schools to develop a new regional center and career academy at MMCRU High School in Marcus, as well as renovate existing labs at the high school.
The new, 7,000-square-foot facility will offer career academy programs in education, health care, welding and design technology, according to the release. It will house a health care lab, computer lab and three classrooms for instruction.
'We are deeply committed to student success and fostering partnerships that provide meaningful educational opportunities for students in our rural communities,' Hartog said in the release. '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.'
SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
12 hours ago
- Time Business News
Luxury Living: Penrith and Skye at Holland Condominiums in Singapore for 2025
Singapore's real estate market continues to captivate homebuyers and investors with its blend of modern luxury, strategic locations, and promising investment potential. Among the most anticipated new launches for 2025 are Penrith and Skye at Holland, two distinct condominium developments that redefine urban living. This article explores the unique features, prime locations, and lifestyle offerings of these exceptional properties, providing a glimpse into why they are set to become iconic additions to Singapore's skyline. Nestled along Margaret Drive in the heart of Queenstown, Penrith is a 99-year leasehold condominium that offers unparalleled access to urban conveniences. Located just a 5-minute walk from Queenstown MRT station on the East-West Line, residents enjoy seamless connectivity to key destinations like Orchard Road, the Central Business District (CBD), and One-North. Major expressways such as the Ayer Rajah Expressway (AYE), Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), and Central Expressway (CTE) are easily accessible, making commutes effortless for drivers. The surrounding Queenstown estate, part of District 3, is a mature and vibrant neighborhood known for its rich heritage and modern amenities. From the iconic Margaret Drive Hawker Centre to nearby retail hubs like Anchorpoint Shopping Centre and IKEA Alexandra, residents have a wealth of dining, shopping, and leisure options within walking distance. Developed by a consortium of GuocoLand, Hong Leong Holdings, and Intrepid Investments, Penrith is designed to cater to discerning homeowners. The development spans 102,497 square feet and features approximately 462 meticulously crafted units, ranging from one to five bedrooms. Each residence is equipped with cutting-edge Smart Home technology, including digital locks, RFID cards, and a mobile app for remote control of appliances, lighting, and security. This seamless integration of technology enhances both comfort and security, allowing residents to personalize their living experience. Penrith's interiors are designed with modern elegance in mind, featuring open-plan layouts, large windows, and high ceilings to maximize natural light and ventilation. High-end appliances and premium fittings in kitchens and bathrooms add a touch of luxury, while north-facing units on higher floors offer unblocked views of the surrounding cityscape. Penrith offers an extensive range of resort-style facilities tailored to diverse lifestyles. Residents can enjoy multiple swimming pools, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, yoga studios, tennis and basketball courts, and BBQ pits for social gatherings. Families with children will appreciate dedicated amenities like a kiddy pool, playground, and playroom, designed with safety and fun in mind. For those seeking tranquility, the reading lounge and landscaped gardens provide serene spaces to unwind. Penrith's strategic location in a rejuvenating Queenstown estate, coupled with its proximity to upcoming developments like the Greater Southern Waterfront, positions it as a strong investment opportunity. The development's affordability compared to Core Central Region (CCR) projects makes it particularly appealing to HDB upgraders and young families. With an expected Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) in 2027 or 2029, Penrith promises long-term capital appreciation and rental demand, driven by its prime location and reputable developers. Penrith stands out for its blend of modern luxury, connectivity, and community-driven living. Its proximity to top schools like Queenstown Primary School and Anglo-Chinese School (International), along with recreational spaces like Alexandra Canal Linear Park, makes it ideal for families and professionals alike. The VVIP preview, scheduled for October 3, 2025, offers early registrants exclusive access to floor plans, pricing, and developer discounts, making it a prime opportunity for buyers. Located along Holland Drive in the prestigious District 10, Skye at Holland is a freehold condominium that epitomizes luxury and exclusivity. Its prime position near Holland Village MRT station on the Circle Line ensures excellent connectivity to key areas like Buona Vista, Botanic Gardens, and the CBD. For drivers, major roads like Holland Road and Bukit Timah Road provide quick access to Orchard Road and other city hotspots. The development's proximity to the vibrant Holland Village enclave offers residents a dynamic lifestyle with trendy cafes, upscale restaurants, and boutique shopping at their doorstep. Skye at Holland is crafted to appeal to buyers seeking long-term value and prestige. The freehold tenure ensures enduring ownership, a rare and coveted feature in Singapore's property market. The development features a curated selection of units designed with spacious layouts, premium finishes, and expansive windows to create bright, airy living spaces. Each residence is tailored for comfort and sophistication, catering to professionals, families, and investors looking for a high-end home. Skye at Holland offers a suite of high-end facilities designed to elevate daily living. Residents can indulge in a luxurious lap pool, a fully equipped fitness center, and beautifully landscaped gardens that provide a tranquil escape from the city. Social spaces like clubhouses and gourmet pavilions create opportunities for entertaining, while dedicated areas for relaxation ensure a balanced lifestyle. The development's focus on premium amenities makes it a haven for those who value both leisure and exclusivity. As a freehold property in District 10, Skye at Holland is positioned for strong capital appreciation, particularly given its prime location near Holland Village and Bukit Timah, two of Singapore's most desirable neighborhoods. The area's proximity to top-tier schools like Nanyang Primary School and Hwa Chong Institution, combined with its vibrant lifestyle offerings, makes it highly attractive for families and expatriates, ensuring robust rental demand. The freehold status further enhances its appeal for investors seeking long-term value. Skye at Holland is the epitome of prestige, offering a rare freehold opportunity in a sought-after location. Its blend of sophisticated design, exclusive amenities, and proximity to Holland Village's vibrant lifestyle scene makes it ideal for buyers prioritizing luxury and long-term investment potential. With pricing details to be released soon, early registration for showflat previews is recommended to secure priority access. Penrith and Skye at Holland represent two distinct yet equally compelling opportunities in Singapore's dynamic property market. Penrith offers affordability, connectivity, and modern living in the heart of Queenstown, making it a top choice for families and HDB upgraders. Skye at Holland, with its freehold status and prestigious District 10 address, caters to those seeking exclusivity and long-term value. Both developments promise exceptional lifestyles, backed by reputable developers and prime locations. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Wire
5 days ago
- Business Wire
ReposiTrak Adds 36 Food Manufacturers, Suppliers and Distributors for Traceability, Including the First North American Producer of Couscous
SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ReposiTrak (NYSE:TRAK), the world's largest food traceability and regulatory compliance network, leveraging its established inventory management and out-of-stock reduction SaaS platform, is proud to add 36 food manufacturers, suppliers and distributors to the queue of companies joining the ReposiTrak Traceability Network® (RTN). These companies will efficiently exchange intricate, FDA-required Key Data Elements (KDEs) for each Critical Tracking Event (CTE) in their supply chains, with the goal of meeting the growing traceability demands of their retail customers. 'Food manufacturers, suppliers and distributors need to act now to meet traceability demands of retailer and wholesaler customers, who require more data for more foods than the FDA, with swifter deadlines,' said ReposiTrak Chairman and CEO Randy Fields. The suppliers who are preparing for traceability include the first North American producer of couscous whose offering has expanded to include short-cut pasta, quinoa, rice and Mediterranean blends, as well as a salsa manufacturer transforming cut fruits and vegetables into salsa varieties like green chili, pineapple and peach, in addition to enchilada sauces. Finally, a leading Canadian importer of foodservice products is joining, proving products such as feta, condiments and sauces, cut avocado and soy-based cheeses to restaurants. 'It's the industry – not the FDA – that's driving food traceability today,' said ReposiTrak Chairman and CEO Randy Fields. 'Food manufacturers, suppliers and distributors need to act now to meet the traceability demands of their retailer and wholesaler customers, who require more data for more foods than the FDA, with swifter deadlines.' The ReposiTrak Traceability Network requires no additional hardware. Every traceability data file is checked using a 500+ point error detection process and ReposiTrak's U.S.-based team works with food manufacturers and suppliers to make corrections, so that the data is as complete and accurate as possible before it reaches their retail, wholesale or foodservice customers. About ReposiTrak ReposiTrak (NYSE: TRAK) provides retailers, suppliers, food manufacturers and wholesalers with a robust solution suite to help reduce risk and remain in compliance with regulatory requirements, enhance operational controls and increase sales with unrivaled brand protection. Consisting of three product families – food traceability, compliance and risk management and supply chain solutions – ReposiTrak's integrated, cloud-based applications are supported by an unparalleled team of experts. For more information, please visit
Yahoo
10-08-2025
- Yahoo
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announces new rural development investments at Iowa State Fair
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins presented the steer Snoop Dog at the Governor's Charity Steer Show during the Iowa State Fair Aug. 9, 2025. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins came to the Iowa State Fair Saturday to compete in the Governor's Charity Steer Show — and to announce $152 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture investments for Iowa rural development projects. Before heading to the Livestock Pavillion to show the steer Snoop Dog, Rollins announced that 19 projects in Iowa would receive funding through USDA Rural Development grant and loan programs. The announcement was made at a news conference where she was joined by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and state Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. Approved projects include a $37 million loan for the Guthrie County Hospital in Guthrie Center to expand and renovate its facility, a $5 million grant and $39 million loan for the City of Emmetsburg to replace its wastewater treatment facility, and a $27.7 million loan to the Southern Sioux County Rural Water System for the building of new wells, a treatment plant and transmission lines in Plymouth and Sioux Counties. 'This unprecedented, coordinated rural development project will help boost the rural economies, develop rural infrastructure and encourage private investments,' Rollins said. Reynolds celebrated the investment and thanked Rollins for working closely with Iowa, saying 'during this time of uncertainty in the ag economy, I'm so grateful to have a partner that we can rely on.' She said the new investments will make a difference in rural Iowa communities. Reynolds said when she visited the Guthrie County Hospital in May, where she signed a law aimed at expanding medical training opportunities and rural health care access, the hospital CEO had told her about how much of a difference the USDA funding would make in helping the facility continue to provide health care in their community. Rollins said the investment is part of a larger effort from President Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress aimed at 'putting farmers first again,' which she said is also being done through new international trade agreements, investments in farm safety net programs and agriculture components of the budget reconciliation bill passed. Though much of the focus on discussing the 'big, beautiful bill' has surrounded the cuts and changes to public assistance programs like Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Rollins said the bill 'protected two million family farms from the death tax,' increased reference prices and extended clean fuel production tax credits. 'Most of the mainstream media focused on, 'Oh, these horrible cuts that are going to cause death and destruction across the world' — which, of course, none of that was true,' Rollins said. 'In fact, we were investing more money, Congress was, into our agriculture sector and putting farmers first.' Some agriculture policy advocates have said the budget reconciliation bill, which cuts SNAP funding while increasing spending on farm subsidies, will further consolidate the agriculture industry and benefit wealthy farmers. It's the second event Reynolds and Rollins have held together this week. On Monday, the Iowa governor was in Washington, D.C. for a news conference where Rollins signed six waivers approving restrictions on purchases of certain food items through the SNAP. Rollins approved Iowa's waiver to limit unhealthy foods available to buy through SNAP in May. USDA also approved an Iowa waiver to implement an summer eating program for kids, called Healthy Kids Iowa, earlier in the year. The demonstration project, providing a box of food valued at $40 each month for families in need through 264 access points across the state, is an alternative to the SUN Bucks program, also known as Summer EBT, that provides $120 per child each month during the summer to eligible families that can be used at retailers accepting SNAP. Both of these efforts are aimed at reducing unhealthy eating habits, the governor said, though hunger advocates have argued these steps make it more difficult for Iowans to access food assistance. Rollins also spoke on her announcement in July for the USDA to restructure and consolidate parts of the agency, in part by relocating some of USDA workforce outside of Washington, D.C. to five regional hubs in North Carolina, Missouri, Indiana, Colorado and Utah. The list has 'no Iowa, but there are more announcements coming,' Rollins said. She said Iowa is well represented at the USDA, with many agency employees in the state and several Iowans in USDA leadership positions. 'The bottom line is moving the power out of Washington, returning the government to the people, and having people that are better able to serve our constituents, who are closer to them,' Rollins said. 'So that is the bigger (arch), but more news coming in the days to come.' Solve the daily Crossword
