The Bureau of Community Colleges has prepared and distributed an outcomes data package to each community college to support the new community college accreditation standard 6, institutional effectiveness and outcomes-based planning (281 IAC 21.62(8)).
Colleges participating in the accreditation cycle will submit desk review evidence and on-site assurance interviews related to the role this data and other institutional data plays in strategic planning and institutional effectiveness efforts. All colleges will receive annual outcomes data packages and are encouraged to integrate these resources into their annual review and planning processes. Outcomes packages were sent to college presidents and institutional research leads.
Questions can be referred to Division of Higher Education and Postsecondary Readiness Administrator, Amy Gieseke at amy.gieseke@iowa.gov or Bureau of Community Colleges Administrative Consultant Robin Shaffer Lilienthal at robin.lilienthal@iowa.gov.
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The Iowa Department of Education will host a statewide convening on implementing corequisite remediation in mathematics and English, bringing together teams from all 15 Iowa community colleges for a day of learning, collaboration, and planning on Oct. 30.
As Iowa moves forward with corequisite remediation, this convening will provide an opportunity for community college leaders and practitioners to build a shared understanding of effective implementation and begin preparing for the changes ahead. The day will feature nationally recognized expertise from Almy Education, along with interactive sessions designed to help colleges consider the systems, curriculum, faculty, advising, and student support needed for successful implementation.
College teams will have an opportunity to:
- Learn from national research and experience with corequisite remediation in math and English.
- Explore key considerations for implementing corequisite models effectively.
- Identify institutional readiness, challenges, and opportunities.
- Connect with colleagues from across Iowa to share ideas and promising practices.
- Begin developing a coordinated approach to implementation within their institution.
Each of Iowa's 15 community colleges will be invited to bring a team representing key areas involved in corequisite implementation, including academic leadership, mathematics and English faculty, advising/student success, and other staff involved in developmental education.
More information, including registration details and the recommended team composition, will be sent directly to college leadership.
For more information, contact Education Program Consultant Kelly Friesleben at kelly.friesleben@iowa.gov.
The next State of Iowa Workforce Pell Grant application cycle is now open. Applications must be submitted by Friday, October 16 for consideration at the December 4 State Workforce Development Board meeting.
The Iowa Department of Education Workforce Pell webpage includes the application, a PDF version of the application for review, the State of Iowa Workforce Pell Program Policies and Procedures Guide, and additional program information.
Questions about the application or Workforce Pell program may be directed to workforcepell@iowa.gov.
The Iowa Department of Education has opened the new application period for the 2026-27 Career Academy Incentive Fund. Grant applications will be accepted through Nov. 13, 2026, for the fall grant cycle.
The Career Academy Incentive Fund supports increased access to career academy programs through regional centers and highlights partnerships between school districts, community colleges, business and industry and other partners. Successful proposals promote equitable access to high-quality career and technical education programs and include at least one school district and one community college. Priority consideration will be given to applicants who focus on programming delivered to at least four school districts. The Department will also consider tier 2 proposals that improve or expand existing career academies delivered through a regional center.
Through the 2019 Secure an Advanced Vision for Education (SAVE) initiative, the Career Academy Incentive Fund annually awards up to $5 million in grants for projects that support career academy partnerships between community colleges, school districts, business and industry and other education and community stakeholders. Opportunities supported by the Career Academy Incentive Fund increase student access to higher education, industry-recognized credentials, valuable connections with employers and the discovery of potential career pathways.
For more information, please contact Bureau of CTE and Postsecondary Readiness Administrative Consultant Heather Meissen at heather.meissen@iowa.gov.
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Join the Iowa Department of Education, Sept. 22 at 3 p.m. for a focused overview of House File 2610 and the new administrative rules for the Statewide Common Course Numbering System. This session is ideal for any staff or faculty interested in understanding the practical aspects and essential facts of the rollout.
Register now for the session that will cover details regarding:
- The Mandate: What HF 2610 requires for statewide lower-division course alignment
- The Rules: Guidance on standardized prefixes, numbers, and core learning outcomes
- The Implementation Timeline: Phased rollout schedule, starting with general education courses
For more information on these sessions and the process of implementing House File 2610, contact Bureau of Community Colleges Education Program Consultant Derreck Calkins at derrick.calkins@iowa.gov.
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Department staff is currently reviewing all Perkins applications. If any changes or additional information are required for your application, you will receive a notification and have ample time to make updates.
Please remember, colleges may spend up to 25% of their Perkins allocation prior to Sept. 30. For any questions or further assistance, please reach out to Education Program Consultant Amy Vybiral at amy.vybiral@iowa.gov.
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