NIACC, NICC, One Cedar Valley Receive $900,000 Dept. of Labor Grant

The US Department of Labor has awarded a $900,000 federal Title I grant to North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) and the nonprofit organization, One Cedar Valley of Waterloo. 

NIACC is serving as grant leader for funding that will allow all grant partners to expand community outreach and increase recruitment and retention of youth and adults who would benefit from workforce services. Most notably, youth and adults who face barriers to employment.

One focus of the grant will support a Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program that serves youth ages 12-24 who face barriers to education and employment. 

 A second Adult/Dislocated Worker Program supported by the grant will provide services to unemployed and underemployed adults. 

 NIACC Dean of Continuing Education and Economic Development, Patti Hanson, is excited about the opportunities to serve diverse populations of students in the region.

 NICC Vice President of Business and Community Solutions, Amy Lasack, believes the additional source of grant funding could be transformative for youth participants who could align their skills and career goals to employment needs – employment positions that are often high-paying and family-sustaining career options.

 One Cedar Valley officials look forward to collaboration among grant partners and agencies to address the career aspirations and goals of each student they serve.