As we celebrate Community College Month this April, I want to extend a warm welcome to everyone seeking to empower themselves through education. Community colleges are often viewed as a stepping stone to four-year universities, and for good reason. Our robust general education courses provide a strong foundation for any bachelor’s degree, and our transfer pathways ensure those credits seamlessly transition to other institutions, saving students significant amounts of money. Our amazing career programs, ranging from short certificates to diplomas to associate degrees can also lead to high paying careers.

However, this is just one facet of the immense value community colleges offer. Here’s the exciting secret most people don’t realize: community colleges are also local innovation hubs, constantly evolving to meet the specific needs and interests of the communities we serve.

Imagine a scenario where a local business in our area is experiencing growth in a new industry, creating a pressing need to upskill their workforce. Iowa Valley Community College District can react swiftly, creating targeted courses in that specific field, providing immediate and relevant training that directly benefits both the business and its employees.

Community colleges are responsive by nature. We listen attentively to the pulse of our communities and collaborate with local businesses and organizations, as well as our local school districts. This ongoing dialogue allows us to tailor our curriculum accordingly, ensuring it remains relevant and addresses the evolving needs of the workforce and the community at large.

This responsive approach fosters a skilled and adaptable workforce that directly fuels local economic growth. By providing targeted training programs, we equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s ever-changing job market. This empowers businesses to flourish, creating a great cycle of economic prosperity.

But the impact of community colleges extends far beyond the realm of career preparation. We offer a vast array of non-credit courses that cater to a wide range of interests and hobbies. Whether you’ve always dreamed of learning to start your own small business, exploring the intricacies of digital photography, or delving into a new hobby in wood-working, there’s likely a course waiting for you with Iowa Valley Business and Community Solutions (BCS). These non-credit courses not only provide personal enrichment but also foster a lifelong love of learning.

So, this Community College Month, I encourage you to explore the full spectrum of what Iowa Valley Community College District has to offer. Whether it be at Marshalltown Community College, Ellsworth Community College, Iowa Valley Grinnell, or the Education and Training Center in downtown Marshalltown, we can meet all your educational needs. Visit our website, browse our course catalog, and discover the gem that is IVCCD. Community is in our name and we are here to serve you!

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Dr. Anne Howsare Boyens is the president of the Iowa Valley Community College District.