Advocacy and Policy

State: 

Make sure you are signed up for Quorum to stay up to date on all things government relations and legislative session. This is our grassroots advocacy platform that helps you keep up to date with what we’re tracking during session, send messages to your legislators on important issues, and get involved with advocating for your college and community! Thank you to all who have already signed up. Your strong support and engagement throughout this past legislative session ensured that the voice of community colleges was heard.   

Our current focus remains on the upcoming November elections, with candidates increasing their fundraising efforts so that they can hold more public events to learn what is important to Iowans in their community and increase support from their area. Community Colleges for Iowa is involved in this process through our Iowans For A Skilled Workforce political action committee. The ISW PAC is a bipartisan PAC created by supporters of Iowa’s community colleges to help support legislators dedicated to Iowa’s community colleges and to educating legislators about the issues impacting those training the next generation of Iowa’s skilled workers. For those who are interested in donating to Iowans For A Skilled Workforce, or to learn more, please check out our ISW PAC webpage. The funds donated will help ensure that the voice of community colleges is heard.  

Federal: 

The federal higher education landscape remains highly active, with multiple negotiated rulemaking efforts and regulatory changes moving simultaneously. Key initiatives include Workforce Pell implementation, the new STATS earnings accountability rule published July 1, RISE regulations on professional programs and student loans are currently facing legal challenges, and the forthcoming Accreditation, Innovation, and Modernization (AIM) proposal, which will address accreditation and could have major implications. 

A major theme across federal discussions is the growing emphasis on outcomes, including earnings, student success, transfer effectiveness, and return on investment. These changes will increase expectations around data reporting, interoperability, and institutional accountability. 

Additional changes are anticipated in federal grant administration, including updates to OMB grant rules and SAM certifications. Colleges should expect continued regulatory activity, expanded compliance requirements, and ongoing opportunities to provide feedback through public comment processes. 

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CCforIowa Bulletin

Remembering Mark Crimmins, 1961-2026 

We mourn the unexpected passing of Mark Crimmins, a longtime trustee and president of the Iowa Central Board of Trustees. Our hearts go out to the college and Mark’s loved ones. His loss will be felt deeply. 

Elected to the Board of Trustees in November 1994, Mark dedicated 31 years of service to Iowa Central, providing steadfast leadership, thoughtful guidance, and a deep commitment to the college’s mission. Throughout his decades of service, Mark helped guide Iowa Central through pivotal moments of growth and transformation, always keeping students, faculty and staff, and the communities we serve at the center of the college’s work. 

His leadership, dedication, and belief in the power of education to create better lives have left a lasting impact on Iowa Central and the many people whose lives have been touched by the college. His legacy will continue for generations to come. 

A Close Look at CCforIowa in 2025-26: our Annual Report is out now! 

What a year! This annual report recaps the advancements in every area of our work, from staffing to building functionality to programming and beyond. As we reflect, much of what we do is rooted in two areas: 1) advocating with voice, and 2) supporting community college leaders. 

Between the 2025 and 2026 legislative session, our number of advocates registered in our action center nearly doubled, with 1,143 signed up and providing representation from all our colleges. Not only were these individuals signed up, but they were engaging in our campaigns. Participation tripled from last year and had more than 1,000 messages sent during our two critical campaigns on property tax reform and the elimination of the 260E program. 

While we provided opportunities all year long, our Convention and Tradeshow has quickly become a favorite as our largest gathering of the year. This year marked the third year of the event, which brought together 400 attendees, 34 award recipients, 49 sponsors, and 50 presenters across 30 breakout sessions. In 2026, the Convention and Tradeshow is scheduled for December 1–3, with the theme “Lighting the Path: Staying Grounded, Sparking Opportunity.” 

Read Community Colleges for Iowa’s 2025-26 annual report.

Last Call on Speaker RFP: Community College Employees to Present Breakout Sessions at the Convention and Tradeshow 

Hey, you! Yes, YOU! You do great work. It’s taken years of experience, learning-trying-and-revising, and professional development to get where you are: being a leader in your field. Think of what you hope to hear when you go to a conference; the advice you wish you could’ve gotten at different stages of your career or project. Our Convention and Tradeshow breakout sessions and workshops are largely led by our own network of community college employees. Our Speaker RFPs collect those who have sessions in mind they are willing to present––whether alone or with others––so we can make this event focused on what’s really important, right now, in our roles and in our state. Submissions must be completed by August 7. 

CCforIowa’s New Website Coming Soon 

Over the past year, CCforIowa has been working diligently to consider the ways our website can set us up for greater success. What was top of mind for us: 

Updated site map 

Better showcasing our community colleges for external audiences 

More ways to keep information at our network’s fingertips for internal audiences 

An improved member portal for easier collaboration 

We’re excited to share that a whole new look and functionality will be released soon. An email will be sent to those who have logins to our member portal on how to use the new interface. While we’re being careful to minimize disruptions, there may be a small window of time that the website is down. It is also possible some old URLs will be broken. With any questions regarding the technology transition, please contact marketing@ccforiowa.org, and our team will assist. 

Job Opportunities: What better place to work than at an Iowa community college? 

No one knows better than our own network how great it is to work in a supportive, innovative, and collaborative place like an Iowa community college. Positions searching for candidates span faculty to operations to administration and beyond. If you know a talented and passionate Iowans who may be interested in a new chapter of their career at a community college, have them check out these job boards/listings: 

• Northeast Iowa Community College (Dubuque/Calmar/Peosta/Cresco/Oelwein/Manchester/Waukon) – Now hiring a Business Instructor and a Math & Engineering Instructor for fall 2026!
• North Iowa Area Community College (Mason City) 
• Iowa Lakes Community College (Estherville/ Emmetsburg/Spirit Lake) 
• Northwest Iowa Community College (Sioux Center/Sheldon) 
• Iowa Central Community College (Fort Dodge)
• Iowa Valley Community College District (Marshalltown/Iowa Falls/Grinnell) 
• Hawkeye Community College (Waterloo) 
• Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (Muscatine/Clinton/Bettendorf) 
• Kirkwood Community College (Cedar Rapids) 
• Des Moines Area Community College (Central Iowa) 
• Western Iowa Tech Community College (Sioux City/Denison) 
• Iowa Western Community College (Council Bluffs/ Clarinda/ Harlan/ Atlantic/ Missouri Valley) 
• Southwestern Community College (Creston) 
• Indian Hills Community College (Ottumwa) 
• Southeastern Iowa Community College (West Burlington/ Keokuk) 

Does your campus want specific job opportunities highlighted? Email marketing@ccforiowa.org to be featured. 

Student Success Story: Meet Josie 

Meet Josie: A born-and-raised farm girl who’s bringing her work ethic and education back home. 🐮🌽 

Josie is learning everything possible about modern agricultural and animal husbandry techniques by simultaneously pursuing degrees in Agricultural Production Technology, AgriBusiness Technology, and Agricultural Management, in addition to certifications in AgriBusiness Finance, AgriBusiness Sales and Marketing, Beef, and Beef Science. She has appeared on the President’s list multiple times by maintaining a 4.0 GPA every semester. As if these academic achievements and helping out on her family’s farm weren’t enough already, Josie runs a successful graphic design business. 

Josie was recognized for her academic achievement and work ethic when named to the Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society’s 2026 All-Iowa Academic Team. Thanks for all your hard work, Josie! 

Follow along with and share this student series through CCforIowa’s social media channels! 

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News

KTIV Channel 4: Northwest Iowa Community College receives grant for veteran scholarships 

The Northwest Iowa Community College Foundation will be able to offer two new scholarships to veteran students starting this fall. Veteran students will have the opportunity to apply for one of two $1,000 scholarships to help with tuition and other educational expenses as they work toward their goals. Read the full story here. 

The Gazette: Kirkwood trustees approve ballot language for $88M bond vote 

Kirkwood Community College’s board of trustees voted unanimously to approve the $88 million bond request on this autumn’s local ballot. Residential property owners would see an approximately $10 increase on their taxes, and the funds would go toward facility upgrades an improvements that would serve the community for decades to come. Read the full article here. 

KIWA Radio: NCC Moves Forward on New Marcus Regional Training Center 

Northwest Iowa Community College is moving forward with plans for a new regional center in Marcus, IA to expand access to career and technical training for Iowa residents. The center will be housed in the former Hometown Guesthouse, and will serve students from MMCRU, South O’Brien, Kingsley-Pierson, and River Valley concurrent enrollment students, with enrollment expanding to meet demand in the future. Get the full story here. 

Storm Lake Radio: Storm Lake Sees Fee Increases in Updated Iowa Central 28E Deal 

Storm Lake School District and Iowa Central Community College move forward under new Perkins funding rules set by the state legislature during the 2026 session. This includes fee increases for concurrent enrollment students who are seeking college credits before they have graduated high school. With Iowa removing the cap on how many credits concurrent enrollment students can earn during a single semester, students have shown more interest in community college courses, which has resulted in higher fees for the school district. Read the full article here. 

Oelwein Daily Register: Youth learn hands-on skills at NICC Oelwein 

Northeast Iowa Community College’s Youth Summer Welding Camp drew local middle and high school students for a couple of days of instruction and crafting. The annual camp is led by veteran instructor Seth Harms, who has seen several students return year after year. The program focuses on creativity and confidence-building while giving the students a chance to explore welding hands-on. Read the full article here. 

Quad-City Times: NICC launches Peosta electrician programs in 2027 

With the demand for skilled tradespeople on the rise, Northeast Iowa Community College has expanded their electrician program to their Peosta campus. The change comes with two potential career paths: commercial-residential and industrial, certifications that can both be earned at NICC within 2 years. Read the full story here. 

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Resources

Iowa Workforce Development: New Statewide Training Grant, “Advanced Manufacturing Pathways Development (AMP’D) Iowa” 

All Iowa employers operating in the advanced manufacturing sector are encouraged to review the qualifying criteria and consider applying. Those selected will be able to partner and design employer-led training programs that focus on production, machine maintenance, and other critical skill gaps in their labor force. Eligible employers may receive up to 80 percent reimbursement for expenses incurred on training newly hired or current employees, offsetting costs and accelerating upskilling in their workforce. Grant awards can include a maximum of $4,000 per employee, up to a $250,000 maximum per employer. Get more information on grant requirements, eligibility, and the application here. 

Note: An informational webinar will be held Tuesday, July 7 at 1:00 p.m. RSVP to join the Zoom here. 

ACCT: New Grant, “Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP)” 

The Association of Community Colleges has announced a new grant opportunity for eligible schools based on Title III/IV. These grants can be used for a broad range of resources that strengthen institutional capacity, including equipment and materials, construction, instructional facility development, and much more. Applicants can get FIVE additional competition points by incorporating work-based learning opportunities; expanding Workforce Pell programs, or for a range of products incorporating AI into education. Read more here. 

Student Voice Wanted: Apply for the Community College Advisory Committee 

The Iowa State Board of Education has created an opening for a current community college student to join the Community College Advisory Committee. This committee advises the department on community college matters and informs statewide policies and practices. This role would be ideal for a student involved in student government or other forms of student leadership on campus. Of all who apply, six will be finalists, three will be interviewed, and ultimately, one will be selected to serve from September 2026-August 2027. Applications are due July 27 at noon.