Hands-On Learning, Lasting Impact

At Iowa Lakes Community College, the work happening in the classroom often reaches far beyond it. It shows up in the communities we serve, in the partnerships we build, and in the experiences that stay with students long after a project is complete.

That connection is on full display within the Construction Technology program, led by Assistant Professor Corey Menning.

Each year, Construction Technology students take part in a long-standing tradition with the Head Start Preschool program on the Emmetsburg campus. What might seem like a simple project quickly becomes something much more meaningful.    

Preschool students, joined by a parent or special guest, are welcomed to campus to build their own birdhouses. Iowa Lakes students are paired one-on-one with each child, guiding them through each step of the process. From holding a hammer for the first time to choosing colors and putting on the final touches, the experience is filled with moments of excitement, patience, and encouragement.

For the Construction Technology students, it is more than just a project. It is an opportunity to lead, to teach, and to connect. For the preschoolers, it is often their first experience building something of their own.

The event wraps up with juice and cookies, but what lingers longer is the sense of pride shared by everyone in the room. For nearly twenty years, this tradition has continued to be a favorite for students on both sides.

That same spirit of hands-on learning and community impact carried into a larger project this spring.

Menning and his students partnered with Moving Veterans Forward of North Central Iowa, a nonprofit organization focused on helping veterans and their families transition into stable housing. The organization provides essential household items such as furniture, bedding, and other necessities to support veterans as they rebuild their lives.

When Menning introduced the project to his class, the response was immediate.

“When I showed the students the pictures and explained the project, they said, ‘Absolutely, we definitely want to be a part of it and make their dream a reality,’” he shared.

In just two days, students transformed the organization’s storage space by constructing a mezzanine that added 156 feet of walls and a 1,600 square foot floor system, along with stairs and railings. The project not only expanded the organization’s capacity but also directly supported its mission to serve more veterans in need.

For students, the experience reinforced what their work can mean beyond the job site. It was not just about measurements and materials. It was about purpose.

Projects like these are a core part of the Construction Technology experience at Iowa Lakes. Students are not only building structures, but they are also building confidence, leadership skills, and a deeper understanding of the role they can play in their communities.

Whether working alongside a preschooler on their very first project or contributing to an effort that supports veterans, Iowa Lakes students are gaining real-world experience that matters.

And in the process, they are leaving a lasting impact, both in the work they complete and in the people they connect with along the way.