Community Colleges for Iowa advocates with one voice for accessible excellence in education. We are a nonprofit, volunteer membership association and the primary advocate for Iowa’s 15 Community Colleges.
At Community Colleges for Iowa, we believe that accessible, high-quality education is the cornerstone of a thriving state. As the primary advocate for Iowa’s 15 Community Colleges, we serve as a unified voice in the halls of government and beyond. By championing the needs of our students and institutions, we ensure that every Iowan—regardless of their zip code—has a pathway to a rewarding career and lifelong success.
While we advocate with one voice, Iowa’s Community Colleges are not a rigid, centralized “system.” Instead, our strength lies in our 15 separate and independent local colleges, each led by its own elected governing board. This decentralized model ensures that every college remains deeply rooted in the specific needs of its local community and economy.
Together, our regions cover the entire state, providing a physical and intellectual home for every Iowan, business, and municipality. Our collaborative work is facilitated through two primary pillars:
A non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors featuring one Trustee from each college.
A consortium of leaders committed to working together for the collective success of all students.
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Our strategic focus is built on proactive leadership and evidence-based advocacy. We don’t just react to change; we help shape it. By aligning our vision, we ensure that Iowa’s community colleges remain the first choice for education, workforce training, and community development.