Skip to main content
ccforiowa.org
Community Colleges for Iowa
Member Portal
Main Content

Community College Day on the Hill

Thursday, March 3 at the Capitol Rotunda

College shuttle vehicles are to drop off folks at the Capitol. Shuttles can be parked at the Capitol or at IACCT, and we will have someone take you back up to the Capitol. Our vehicle will be running back and forth throughout the day to bring people back and forth as needed.

7:30 am to Noon Capitol (set up by 7:30 a.m., tear down before noon). Breakfast will be available in the Rotunda. 

8:30 a.m. Introduced in the House by Representative Megan Jones

9:00 a.m. Introduced in the Senate by Senator Chris Cournoyer 

Travel to Curate Event Space  

12:30 PM Lunch at Curate

Community College Day on the Hill March 3, 2022 7:30 a.m. - noon at the Capitol Rotunda. About the Event. For many years, Iowa's Community Colleges have come together to showcase our work on one day at the Capitol. We fill the Rotunda with displays from each college, hand out cookies, and invite legislators to hear from us and take pictures to chow their support for our colleges. This important event is a show of force that allows legislators to see the collective power we have to positively impact students and communities. This year's theme for displays is "Industry 4.0". Industry 4.0 is the world' fourth industrial revolution, where technology is seamlessly connects people and systems in a digital ecosystem where the data gathered can be leveraged to optimize operations in real-time. Iowa's Community Colleges are responding with training and education that leverages innovation and technology to prepare students for this revolution. Schedule: 7:30 a.m. to Noon Capitol Rotunda (set up by 7:30 a.m. and tear down before noon). Breakfast will be available for attendees in the Rotunda. 8:30 a.m. Introduced in the House 9:00 a.m. Introduced in the Senate Noon Travel to Curate 322 E. Court Ave Des Moines 12:30 p.m. Lunch. Making the Most of the Day. We sent an invitation to the event to all legislators so they know we will be in the building .However, they are more likely to visit our displays and meet iwth us if individual colleges and Trustees reach out in advance to invite them and make plans to connect. Legislators want to hear directly from their constituents. Community College Legislative Priorities. Invest in Community Colleges. We rely on State General Aid and local property tax funding for core operations and staffing needed to sustain strong programs. We support increasing this critical funding by $14 million to keep up with rising costs and keep tuition down. Programs and Policies to Boost Enrollment. Our enrollment continues to be ahead of national averages, but declines are a long-term challenge that needs to be addressed. We support funding and policies to boost enrollment, including strategies for supporting high school students in exploring post-secondary education and training options, providing adequate funding to make education accessible to all, and other policies that help make education available to people at all stages of life. Thank you to our generous sponsors: PMA Network. Collaboration to Meet Workforce Training Needs We play a critical role in education, training, and re-training for Iowa's workforce system. We support addressing workforce shortages in the long term by increasing funding to the Workforce Training and Economic Development (WTED) Fund by $5 million to expand capacity for critical training and education programs. Quick Tips for Effective Advocacy. Get right to the point. Lawmakers are busy and want to know what they can do for you quickly. Tell your story. Facts are important, but your personal story as a student makes all the difference. Do your homework. Use the resources below to figure out who your legislators are and what they care about. Plan for follow-up. Always reach out after an in-person conversations to thank them for listening and share any information they requested. Other Resources. We also have many other helpful resources available for you to use on our website: https://www.iacct.com/advocacy/legislative-resources (A list of state representatives, District Map of the state of Iowa, Map of Senate legislators by your district, Map of Representatives by your district. Educational documents including: How a Bill Becomes a Law, Appropriations Process, Legislative Terminology., Budget Process in Iowa, and Participations and Organizations in Making Iowa Laws. About Community Colleges for Iowa. Community Colleges for Iowa is one voice for accessible excellence in education. We bring Iowa's 15 Community Colleges together to advocate for Iowa students, business, and communities. ,

 

Download the handout.

Want additional information? Executive Director Emily Shields has put together an informational video you can watch!

© 2022 Community Colleges for Iowa. All rights reserved.