Iowa Valley Community College District Receives $1 Million Grant to Expand Career Academy Opportunities
GRINNELL – Governor Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education announced today that Iowa Valley Community College District (IVCCD) is one of four Iowa community colleges to receive a competitive grant through the state’s Career Academy Incentive Fund.
IVCCD will receive a $1 million grant to invest in its Grinnell campus, specifically focusing on the automotive repair technician career academy. The grant will provide additional lab space to accommodate more students and support enrollment growth across six area high schools participating in existing academies.
“We are thrilled to be awarded these funds,” said Dr. Anne Howsare Boyes, IVCCD President. “This grant will help us expand our reach and serve more students who are looking to get hands-on career training in numerous areas.”
Reynolds said the Career Academy Incentive Fund is an innovative program that empowers high school students to explore career paths and gain valuable experience.
“I applaud Iowa Valley Community College District for its commitment to expanding career academy opportunities and preparing students for success in our workforce,” Reynolds said.
Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow highlighted the program’s focus on work-based learning.
“The Career Academy Incentive Fund equips students with valuable skills through industry partnerships and real-world experiences,” Snow said. “We commend Iowa Valley Community College District for its leadership in providing multiple pathways to postsecondary success for students across our communities.”
About the Career Academy Incentive Fund
The Career Academy Incentive Fund, established in 2019, is funded through the Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) statewide penny sales tax for school infrastructure. The program awards competitive grants to community colleges and school districts collaborating to expand career academy programs in high-demand fields. Students in these programs gain industry-recognized credentials, high school and college credit, and valuable technical and academic skills through career and technical education (CTE) programs aligned with business and industry needs.
Learn More
For more information on the Career Academy Incentive Fund, please visit the Iowa Department of Education’s website.