Federal Updates
Welcome to April, Community College Month! This is a time to reach out and remind your elected officials about the importance community colleges have in your communities. Take action by letting them know to join the Congressional Community College Caucus and to cosponsor the Congressional Resolution recognizing the significance of "Community College Month" which identifies April as Community College Month. With the 119th Congress underway, ACCT has endorsed numerous bills and sent many letters, which you are encouraged to review. The goal of finalizing the reconciliation process by Memorial Day is becoming less attainable. Senate Republican leaders have introduced a new fiscal year 2025 budget resolution, initiating the reconciliation process with instructions for various committees to propose deficit-reducing legislation over the next decade. Notably, the House Education and Workforce Committee is tasked with identifying $330 billion in cuts, while the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee is directed to find $1 billion in savings, potentially leading to significant impacts on higher education funding and policies. The resolution also instructs the Finance Committee to increase the deficit by up to $1.5 trillion, increases the current debt limit by $5 trillion, and calls for approximately $500 bill in new spending. Yesterday morning, the House voted along party lines to adopt the Senate's revised budget resolution. For the next two weeks, Congress will be out of session which means that lawmakers are working in their districts. Last Wednesday, House Appropriations Chair, Tom Cole (OK-4), issued guidance to House members on submitting requests for programmatic requests (which are requests for funding support to federal programs) and Community Projects Funding, also known as earmarks, for fiscal year 2026. House members can start submitting their requests on April 14th with most submission deadlines being in May. However, individual House Members will have earlier deadlines for requests from constituents to review and finalize their requests.
On Tuesday, the Department of Health and Human Services shut down 5 regional Head Start offices, which offer guidance, support, technical assistance, and oversight of local Head Start programs. Last week, the Department of Education invited the public to offer feedback on higher education regulations and federal assistance programs, as well as provide ideas to improve the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) Repayment plan, and the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan. The Department plans to invite public comment by hosting two public hearings. On April 29th, there is an in-person hearing to allow public comments for the Department of Education's Rulemaking Process. Higher Ed Dive reported that the majority of unionized workers laid off by the Department of Education came from the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA), the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), and the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). The Association for Education Finance and Policy (AEFP) and the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) have filed a lawsuit against the Department of Education to challenge the staff reduction and the cancellation of research contracts at the Institute of Education Sciences (IES). While there is currently no official language, it is expected that President Trump will sign an executive order on college accreditation.
ABI Engages in Trade Discussions Following New Tariffs
On Wednesday, the federal government announced new retaliatory tariffs that could impact Iowa manufacturers and agriculture producers. ABI is working hourly to assess the situation and advocate for trade policies that protect Iowa manufacturers and those involved in international commerce.
Career Professionals Day - June 3rd and 4th
Join the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance and the Marion Economic Development Corporation for a two-day experience designed for career service professionals from across the state. The first day, June 3rd (4:30-8pm), they will kick things off with a lively dinner reception at Pickle Palace in Downtown Cedar Rapids - a perfect chance to reconnect, make new connections, and enjoy great food in a relaxed setting. The second day, June 4th (9am-2pm), spend the day in Uptown Marion, where you'll network with local business leaders, hear firsthand stories from interns who have transitioned to full-time employees, and get an insider's look at what makes Marion a thriving place to live and work. The industries of focus will be advanced manufacturing, government, and non-profit. For more information and to register, click here. In the registration form, you have the option to register for both days or just one of the days. If you plan to attend both days, they will send you information regarding hotel accommodations. Feel free to contact Laura Seyfer, Workforce Specialist, with Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance at lseyfer@cedarrapids.org for more information.
Important Update on CIRAS Funding
Last week, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) notified CIRAS that it was stopping support for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program effective immediately because it is no longer aligned with the priorities of the administration. The MEP is the largest federal funding at CIRAS, and this unexpected cut impacts the availability and affordability of services in both the near and long term. CIRAS' mission is to enhance the performance of industry through applied research, education, technical assistance, and collaboration. In the coming weeks, they will continue to look for opportunities to restore MEP funding and redefine their business model.
Call for Proposals - Share Your Expertise at the 2025 ACCT Leadership Congress
The 2025 ACCT Leadership Congress is your opportunity to contribute to the most significant professional development event for community college trustees, presidents, and leaders. We invite you to submit a proposal to present a session at the Congress and share your institution's innovative programs, best practices, and bold strategies with peers from across the country and beyond. Why Present and Attend? You can expand your network, enhance your knowledge, and showcase your work. The 2025 Congress Presentation Tracks include Innovating for the AI Era; Collaborative Solutions for Workforce Needs; Enrollment Strategies; Creating Student-Centered Pathways for Student Success; and Effective Board Governance: How to be a Trustee. Click here to submit your proposal today!
Data-Driven Decision-Making in Higher Education Whitepaper and Video
A video and whitepaper were submitted to Lumina Foundation this week. The National Higher Education Benchmarking Institute plans to further develop the robust interview content into a series of shorter videos with specific thematic focuses over the coming months. They were honored that Dr. Chris Mullin of the lumina Foundation shared the video on LinkedIn yesterday.
Kirkwood and IowaWORKS Announce Partnership to Improve Workforce Services in Cedar Rapids
KCC and IowaWORKS announced Wednesday a new partnership that will improve the availability and coordination of workforce programs in the Cedar Rapids area. Effective August 1, 2025, a new location near Kirkwood's campus will house both the community college's workforce development programs and the IowaWORKS Cedar Rapids office, serving as the American Job Center (AJC) for the surrounding area. The existing IowaWORKS office at Lindale Mall will cease operations on July 31, 2025. Kirkwood's acquisition of the former Ruffalo Noel Levitz building marks a major step in the college's long-term strategy to streamline services, enhance community partnerships, and meet the evolving needs of Iowa's workforce. The newly acquired facility will serve as the central hub for Kirkwood's Adult Basic Education, Continuing Education and workforce development programs. Last year, Kirkwood's Continuing Education division served nearly 30,000 learners - ranging from school-aged children in KICK programs to adults pursuing leisure learning, workforce certification, and advanced credentials. Today's partnership also offers a unique opportunity to bring together all four core programs funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for the first time. Currently, Titles I, III, and IV operate out of the IowaWORKS office at Lindale Mall. This new center positions Cedar Rapids as a model for regional collaboration and innovation in workforce development - enhancing access, improving outcomes and building stronger connections between education and employment. For more information, click here.
A Love Letter to Education - and Community Colleges
April is Community College Month - a time to recognize the powerful role community colleges play in transforming lives, communities, and futures. [Community Colleges] offer more than affordability - they offer belonging. Anne Howsare-Boyens, President of Iowa Valley Community College District has chosen to wrote about just that in a recent column by the Times-Republican. To read more about her story, click here.
Job Openings
Southwestern Community College in Creston, Iowa, is seeking applicants for three positions:
1. Director of Health Occupations: This full-time role involves developing and delivering short-term career preparatory and continuing education courses in health-related fields, ensuring program compliance with state and federal regulations, and providing leadership to instructors. Candidates must have or be eligible for RN licensure in Iowa, possess three years of occupational experience including twleve months in long-term care, with a BSN and experience in community college education or training of adults preferred.
2. Electrical Technology Instructor: Starting in August 2025, this 10-month instructional position requires teaching electrical technology through classroom instruction, hands-on demonstrations, and lab experiences. Applicants should hold a Class A Master or Journeyman Electrician license, an AAS degree with 8,000 hours of relevant experience, or a BS in Electrical Engineering with 4,000 hours of relevant experience. Strong organizational and leadership skills are essential; teaching experience is beneficial but not mandatory.
3. EMS Instructor: This position entails 144 hours of classroom and clinical instruction during the Spring 2025 schedule, with classes meeting Monday through Friday from 8 to 9:30am. Candidates must have an Iowa EMS instructor endoresement and be licensed as an EMT or higher, with prior teaching experience preferred.
Call for Speakers: 2025 Manufacturing Conference
ABI is seeking dynamic and engaging speakers for the upcoming 2025 Iowa Manufacturing Conference! Don't miss this opportunity to share your expertise! Submit your proposal here.