Posted on March 12, 2026 at 3:35 PM by McKenzie Kielman
The full gallery of photos from Leadership In Action Week can be found here. This gallery will be archived in 90 days. Please be sure to download the photos you’d like to keep. If after that time a photo is needed, please contact marketing@ccforiowa.org for assistance from our team.
60 Years of Impact celebrated during the 2026 Leadership In Action Week
Leadership In Action Week unites community college supporters to use one voice to advocate for accessible, excellent higher education in Iowa. During this awareness week, hundreds gather from every corner of the state in Des Moines. Unique to this year was discussing the monumental bills being considered in the state legislature right now as we mark the 60th anniversary of visionary state legislators creating the Iowa Community College System. This legislative session could result in the greatest changes to the system since its founding.
It has been decades of solidifying our model and creating student success that has led to:
- More than a third of undergraduate students in our state are enrolled at an Iowa community college
- 82% of graduates can expect to be gainfully employed in their area of study within the first year after graduation
- 200,000 Iowa workers hold a community college credential as their highest level of education
We celebrated 60 Years of Impact with today’s students, faculty, trustees, businesses, and all who are a part of our state’s community colleges. From trivia and awards to subcommittee meetings and booths at the Capitol, our 2026 Leadership In Action Week showcased how community colleges meet student, community, and state needs with one-of-a-kind programming!
See highlights from our key events below: Student Legislative Seminar, PTK Awards, and Community College Day on the Hill.
Student Legislative Seminar
Monday, March 2, midday
CCforIowa’s Student Legislative Seminar provides a statewide, community college-focused Advocacy 101. Students gain new knowledge and tools about the Iowa Community College System, its impact on the state, and how they can speak to legislators about causes they care about.
Iowa community college students excited to represent their institution at the Student Legislative Seminar during Leadership In Action Week!
Iowa community college student receive special 60th anniversary t-shirts. The front says, “Community colleges WORKING for Iowa since ‘66.” The back says, “Statewide Since 1966, Serving Every County” and lists all 15 of Iowa’s community colleges.
Iowa community college students networking.
Iowa community college students visiting with a staff member from U.S. Representative Zach Nunn’s office.
Iowa community college students visiting with a staff member from U.S. Representative Ashley Hinson’s office.
Iowa community college students visiting with a staff member from U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley’s office.
Iowa community college students visiting with staff members of the Iowa Secretary of State Office, who provided information on registering to vote.
University of Northern Iowa (UNI) director of UNI@IACC Paul Sapp. UNI has the highest number of transfer students of Iowa’s three regent state schools and is a year-round partner of Community Colleges for Iowa.
Iowa community college students get into the competitive spirit as they play a game of community college trivia.
Iowa community college students were in it to win it: as they guessed statistics, their goal was to land closest to the real numbers without going over.
Iowa community college student had the opportunity to win three prizes: an iPad, Sony headphones, and a Carhartt messenger bag. Our way to up the ante and say thanks for giving the game your best try!
▶️ Watch a round of the competition and see how you stack up against the students here.
The day ended with an opportunity we’ve never been able to offer before: Iowa community colleges were invited to speak at the House Education Appropriations Subcommittee, which was able to be planned this year to be in conjunction with the Student Legislative Seminar. During the public hearing, Executive Director Emily Shields and Indian Hills Community College President Dr. Matt Thompson led the portion overviewing State of Iowa programs and policies related to community colleges, and then handed over the mic to current community college students to share about what brought them to community college and what that experience has been.
▶️ Watch the student testimonials to hear a variety of student journeys happening at our community colleges:
- Meet Marshall, student at NIACC
- Meet Masa, student at Des Moines Area Community College
- Meet Allen, student at Eastern Iowa Community College
PTK Awards
Monday, March 2, evening
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Awards recognize select community college students who are members of the honor society, earn high grades, and provide exceptional and exemplary leadership at their respective institutions. Students from all 15 of Iowa’s community college were admitted to the All Iowa Academic Team. Additionally, a handful of students won competitive national awards, which includes receiving specialty scholarships to continue their educational pursuits.
Seven students from Iowa community colleges (out of 125 in the nation) earned a place in the Coca Cola National Academic Team:
- Terrence Marlatt, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
- Marinza Roosa, Des Moines Area Community College
- Wesley Sharp, Des Moines Area Community College
- Jenna Van Law, Iowa Valley Community College District
- Christi Schrodt, Northeast Iowa Community College
- Kadence Dieckow, Southeastern Community College
- Fatima Paez-Quevedo, Western Iowa Tech Community College
Two students from Iowa community colleges earned the New Century Pathway Scholarship:
- Alexandra Mathis, Western Iowa Tech Community College
- Elizabeth Young, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
One student from an Iowa community college was named as Iowa’s PTK All-USA Academic Team Scholar (out of 50 in the nation):
- Alexandra Mathis, Western Iowa Tech Community College
The PTK Awards showcase the dedication Iowa community college students have for academic excellence and leadership.
Iowa community college students who received national awards, pictured with PTK President Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner.
Iowa community college students celebrated alongside their families, including parents, siblings, spouses or significant others, and children.
Iowa community college students walked the stage as a part of the awards ceremony, where they were greeted by their institution’s president as well as faculty members and mentors.
▶️ Watch community college student speakers share thoughts on the community college experience:
- Meet Kadin, graduate of Iowa Lakes Community College
- Meet Tracy, student at Des Moines Area Community College
- Meet Clarissa, student at Eastern Iowa Community College
- Meet Alexandra, student at Western Iowa Tech Community College
Community Colleges Day on the Hill
Tuesday, March 2, morning
Community Colleges Day on the Hill filled the Iowa State Capitol with legislators and community college supporters who spoke surrounded by booths featuring programs and partnerships that are important to each of Iowa’s 15 institutions. We saw everything from healthcare and dental hygiene to robotic arms and welding simulators! Students were central to the conversations being had, speaking to how community college has shaped their educational journey and career trajectory.
View of community college booths and attendees from above.
Being at the Iowa State Capitol means we're steps away from where our state's top elected officials while they are hard at work. Governor Kim Reynolds took a moment to connect with community college students and leaders.
Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer checked out community college booths, hearing directly from businesses, students, and presidents.
Each community college spotlighted an important program to their district, many with interactive visuals and hands-on activities.
We welcome every perspective at Community Colleges Day on the Hill. Legislators are able to hear from students, business partners, trustees, and presidents/faculty/staff.
Our community college logo cookies have become a fan favorite for Community Colleges Day on the Hill! Pictured here is Representative Heather Matson, who chose DMACC as a proud Ankeny leader.
Iowa community college students got the full Iowa Capitol Building visit experience! Both the Iowa House and Senate were gaveled into session, and legislators recognized the students in the gallery for their dedication to their education and appreciation for the role of the state in community college opportunities.
The full Iowa Capitol Building visit experience also means Iowa community college students went on a tour – all the way to the top of the dome!
Iowa community college students from all 15 of Iowa’s community colleges were essential to Community Colleges Day on the Hill to give relevant insights on navigating education, careers, and personal and professional opportunities.
What a week! For real-time updates, and to celebrate Iowa community colleges year-round, be sure to follow Community Colleges for Iowa on social media here.