Leadership In Action Week is days away, taking place March 2-6!
All community college supporters play a big role in raising public awareness and directly advocating to the Iowa legislature for positive community college policies. It is with the help of supporters, legislators, and the public that the Iowa Community College System was created in 1966 and continues to build toward a stronger future for our state. Leadership In Action Week is our opportunity to use one voice to speak to the role of community colleges, the successes of each institution and our collective network. Follow CCforIowa on social media to see how we celebrate 60 Years of Impact next week!
Community Colleges Day on the Hill: Webinar Recording Available for Attendees
CCforIowa’s advocacy team held a webinar to share what is top of mind of legislators for community college priorities, the overall political environment of the Capitol so far this session, and day-of logistics. If you plan to attend Community Colleges Day on the Hill, we encourage you watch the recording of the webinar, available here.
Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society All Iowa Academic Team
81 accomplished students met rigorous academic requirements to be named to the All Iowa Academic Team this year. Our honorees are leaders who navigate adversity, seek opportunity, and succeed in their academic, professional, and personal lives. See their names and bios here.
During next week’s ceremony, several students will take the mic to share the journey that led them to enroll in community college and their perspective on why community colleges are important. The students selected to speak are:
Kadin Walter, Iowa Lakes Community College
Thanh Ngo, Des Moines Area Community College
Clarissa McNally, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges
Alexandra Mathis, Western Iowa Tech Community College
Iowa Represented in Washington, D.C. during ACCT's National Legislative Summit
An Iowa delegation participated in the Association of Community College Trustees' National Legislative Summit earlier this month. CCforIowa Executive Director Emily Shields and Director of Government Relations Ryan Roberts were joined by nearly 20 others, including presidents, faculty/staff, trustees, and students.
In addition to sessions for community college leaders from across the country, we strive to meet with every Iowa-elected official in Congress to discuss the impact of federal policies on our state.
This year’s meetings included:
Senator Chuck Grassley
Representative Zach Nunn
Representative Randy Feenstra
Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks
It was a successful year of giving Iowa a voice in national legislation and ensuring our Congressmembers have a timely perspective on community college priorities.
Executive Director Emily Shields Attended Community College Baccalaureate Association's 2026 Conference
With the theme of "Degrees of Change," keynotes and sessions highlighted how others across the country are creating dynamic and sustainable economic growth for students, their families, and communities. It was particularly insightful to get a closer look at successful programs in other states that have expanded access to place-bound students, working adults, and others as we work on bringing this important model to Iowa. Next year’s conference will be in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Feb. 17-19.