Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Department of Education today 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.
“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,” said Gov. Reynolds. “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.”
Career academies offer high school students the opportunity to gain industry-recognized credentials, college credit, and hands-on experience while exploring high-demand fields. 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 plans to create a new 7,000-square-foot Regional Center located in Marcus, Iowa. 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 the following areas: 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.
“We are thankful to have been awarded the CAIF Grant from Governor Reynolds and the state of Iowa, which will support the development of a Regional Center and career academy at MMCRU High School in Marcus, in cooperation with our partnering schools: South O’Brien, Kingsley-Pierson, and River Valley High Schools,” said Dr. John Hartog, President of Northwest Iowa Community College. “We are deeply committed to student success and fostering partnerships that provide meaningful educational opportunities for students in our rural communities. 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.”
Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow emphasized the importance of the CAIF grants: “Through the critical work-based learning infrastructure these grants support, learners across Iowa are attaining industry-recognized credentials and college credit while in high school. We commend these secondary, postsecondary, and industry partners for their leadership in connecting the classroom to the workplace, empowering all students with multiple pathways to high-wage and public-good careers.”
With this new Regional Center in Marcus, NCC continues to expand rural educational opportunities in northwest Iowa, following the acquisition of its first Regional Center in Sioux Center in 2023. This development reflects the college’s commitment to providing accessible, hands-on education and workforce development opportunities for students in the region.
Additional details will be shared soon as NCC and its partners move forward with the process of opening the Regional Center. For more information on other NCC career academy programs and their curriculum, visit https://nwicc.edu/academics/programs-of-study/career-academy. Northwest Iowa Community College looks forward to the positive impact this project will have on students and local communities for years to come.
About Northwest Iowa Community College
Since 1966, Northwest Iowa Community College has been a leader in providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education. Serving more than 7,000 credit and non-credit students annually, NCC offers a diverse array of programs—including career and technical training, transfer degrees, online and on campus opportunities and continuing education. Recognized as one of the nation’s top community colleges, NCC is committed to student success and community engagement. For more information visit nwicc.edu or contact the Admissions Office at studentservices@nwicc.edu.