Iowans For A Skilled Workforce is a bipartisan political action committee. ISW was created by supporters of Iowa’s community colleges — the workforce trainers of Iowa.
As our largest event of the year, we bring together hundreds of community college professionals in key roles across all institutions. What makes this even more special are the opportunities for teams to explore together for a refreshed look at shared projects while also empowering individuals to connect with their cross-institution counterparts for position-specific insights. Relaxed yet dynamic, attendees can expect to have real conversations that lead to real results, surrounded by the people who understand this work the most.
For one night a year, crossing the stage in recognition of hard work is for more than our graduates: it’s for our colleagues and partners who are behind the scenes of our programs and successes, too. Each college selects an outstanding member of its staff and an outstanding member of its faculty to recognize with a crowd that really gets what it takes to do this work and do it well. We also present competitive statewide awards for community college alum of the year, business and industry partner, and top advocate. The audience is immersed in why we choose to be in higher education and the true, far-reaching impact being made today.
15 total faculty members are awarded the Faculty Award. Each College is responsible for nominating one outstanding faculty member who will be recognized with the other colleges’ nominees.
15 total staff members are awarded the Staff Award. Each College is responsible for nominating one outstanding staff member who will be recognized with the other colleges’ nominees.
An individual who demonstrates outstanding commitment to advocating for Iowa’s community colleges, actively engages in grassroots advocacy efforts, participates in advocacy campaigns, and frequently meets with legislators to promote policies that strengthen community colleges. This award will be determined by CCforIA staff based on efforts made by those in the Community College network during the previous legislative session. This is a new award with its first recipient being recognized in December 2025.
A business or industry partner (for-profit or non-profit) of one of Iowa’s Community Colleges who has gone above and beyond to impact students and their community. Nominations must come from current employees or Trustees of Iowa’s community colleges.
A project or program innovation at one of Iowa’s community colleges that demonstrates commitment to innovation, creativity, and continuous improvement. Nominations must come from current employees or Trustees of Iowa’s community colleges.
A graduate of any of Iowa’s Community Colleges who has shown leadership and commitment to their community. Nominations must come from current employees or Trustees of Iowa’s community colleges.
This awareness week unites everyone who cares about our community colleges to use their voice. For community colleges to sustain and adapt, Iowans must feel strongly about their community college and the role community colleges have in our state. We want to keep our presence in all 99 counties, serve students where they live, and provide pathways to needed high-paying jobs. It’s important we have conversations with friends and family members about community colleges, just like we would for any of the other causes important to us. Share why community colleges matter alongside our network.
For one morning a year, our network starts the day under the gold dome to show the impact of community colleges and discuss the support needed this year. Each of the community colleges hosts their own booth, where they showcase a specific program or partner. State legislators and officials get to meet students, businesses, faculty, and administrators working in their district, for their constituents. It’s a meeting spot for all: Democrats and Republican caucuses, those assigned to relevant committees and at-large members. In addition to our presence in the Rotunda, many attendees take tours and observe chambers if convened. Students have shared their stories on the record during official meetings. This is our network’s opportunity to be a part of the important happenings during the legislative session alongside our team that has a presence all year long.
There is power in a central voice for community college advocacy: today’s students. Too often, students have important, invaluable insights but lack the tools or opportunity to be heard. The path walked by each student is so different, given age, area, and circumstances––but all chose the next step in their education, work, and life to be community college. At the Student Legislative Seminar, students are given direct ways to share their thoughts on what our community college does for Iowans and how we can keep growing better and stronger for the future.
On a night unlike any other, students from across the state gather to be honored for their high grades and the roles they hold in their program or on their campus. Phi Theta Kappa is an international honor society focused on two-year institutions. Every community college in our state has Phi Theta Kappa on its campus, which accepts and recognizes students from wide-ranging programs, from industrial to healthcare to technology and beyond. The President and CEO of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner, has joined us to present national awards, including scholarships for students to complete or continue their educational goals.
Community members across the state give their time and talents as community college trustees, guiding their local institution through opportunities and challenges. These leaders are essential for fortifying community colleges as a community resource, for residents, employers, and the public’s benefit. It’s a unique working to have a shared plan and path forward between trustees, and between trustees and their institution’s president. The Trustee Conference leverages national resources, like ACCT, to provide technical and experiential insights into governing community colleges and bringing leaders together.
For one night, we take a break from our working relationship to honor the leaders integral to the successes and milestones of our community colleges. Many community college leaders serve in their role for decades, providing institutional knowledge and seeing long-term strategies through. Their steady presence and clear vision lead to the facilities, strong relationships, and student experience that our campuses are now known for. We’re grateful for this opportunity to reflect on the people who built and strengthened the Iowa Community College System.
This award is given annually by the host College of the annual summer trustee conference. Awardees are those who have done significant and impactful work affecting their local Community College community.
15 total faculty members are awarded the Faculty Award. Each College is responsible for nominating one outstanding faculty member who will be recognized with the other colleges’ nominees.
This award is given annually to the most recent serving chair of the Community Colleges for Iowa Board.
The Years of Service award is given to trustees who have served on their local board for 15, 25, or 35 years. All trustees will be notified via email if they are receiving recognition.
The John P. Kibbie Award is given to an active Trustee who has made a significant, positive impact in their community, benefitting their community college and community. For example, helping to develop innovative programs, influencing legislation impacting Iowa’s community colleges, or providing leadership in problem-solving issues facing our institutions. Any active Trustee from a Member Community College Board is eligible with the exception of a currently serving Community Colleges for Iowa Board member. Previous recipients are ineligible.
This unique award is not given annually and is determined through a recommendation process by the Community Colleges for Iowa board. Board members may choose to nominate a community member or leader who is not a community college trustee but who has significantly impacted the community college sector in their role as a community member, professional, or colleague.
