National Community College Month Coming to a Close
As it is the end of April, it is also the end of National Community College Month. Each of our community colleges highlighted student stories, faculty insights, unique programming, and favorite campus moments. And the best part? Our network is focused on celebrating and championing community colleges all year long. Be sure you’re following CCforIowa on your social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X) to see the great work being done across the state!
Check out our college’s spotlights:
60 years of building the Iowa Community College System: Advocate today for decades of impact on Iowans
We are directly connected to more community college advocates than ever before. With our Action Center, it is also easier than ever for any Iowan to speak up for our community colleges. As an anniversary year, it’s important we remember our roots, the role we hold, and why it is our responsibility to put community colleges in the best position we can. Read more about the unique moment we’re in.
Iowa Dept. Of Education: 2025 Condition of Iowa’s Community Colleges
This year’s Iowa Department of Education’s 2025 Annual Condition of Iowa's Community Colleges was released earlier this month and showed meaningful year-after-year growth for the Iowa Community College System. Here are some highlights:
- Credit enrollment increased by 3.1% over last year, with Iowa residents comprising over 90% of those enrolled.
- The community college's awarded 10,270 associate degrees (4% increase from last year) and 11,097 certificates and diplomas (13.3% increase from last year).
- 91.0% of Iowa community college graduates were employed within the first year, with 83% of them in Iowa. Our top industries of employment after graduation were healthcare, then retail trade, and manufacturing.
- 50,508 industry certifications were granted, an increase of 20.5% over last year
- Adult education programs served 16,297 students, an increase of over 11% over 5 years
- 51,566 students received Pell grants, up 12.5% from last year
Having this annual data to complement other ways we monitor and examine local and statewide impact helps us better understand how we fulfill our mission and serve Iowans. Read the full report.
AACC Conference 2026
Monique flew to Seattle for this year's American Association of Community Colleges Conference. With the theme of "Pioneer Minds: Shaping the Future of Education,” Monique returned with great stories and new ideas from collabs with other community colleges associations across the country, along with some new ideas for our own convention and tradeshow!
Summer Trustee Conference: Registration Now Open, Award Nominations Due 5/1
It’s a special year to gather at our annual events with the 60th anniversary of the Iowa Community College System. This milestone conference will honor the past, highlight the present, and look ahead to the future of student success in Iowa.
Help your trustees attend:
- Who: Trustees and Presidents
- When: July 7 (optional afternoon activities), July 8 (day – conference, night – awards), and July 9 (dismissal at lunch for easier travels)
- Where: Iowa Valley Community College District, 3700 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
- What: Trustees will come together to reflect on six decades of service to students, communities, and the state, while engaging in conversations about the evolving role of governance in strengthening access and opportunity. ACCT President and CEO Jee Hang Lee will join trustees for this special anniversary event.
- Register here
Let's celebrate our exceptional leaders who have gone above and beyond in support of Iowa’s community colleges. Take a close look at the awards descriptions and complete the nomination process so we can recognize and celebrate these leaders this summer! Now is the time with nominations closing May 1.
Recognize your trustees: