Iowa Lakes Community College Awarded Grant Funds to Provide Choice of Two Certification Program Tracks to at Least 20 Individuals

(Estherville, Iowa) Iowa Lakes Community College was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation Fund with matching funds committed by the Iowa Lakes Community College Foundation. The funds will help a minimum of 20 individuals complete a four-week, career-focused program. Participants will choose human resources or accounting.

The two continuing education certificate tracks available through this program will help the participants prepare for the Certified Bookkeeper exam or prepare to attain the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certification. Every industry sector needs qualified human resource professionals and accounting staff.

“Now’s the perfect time to work on completing certifications. The success our region had with the first Employer Innovation Grant put northwest Iowa on the map,” said Jolene Rogers, Executive Director of Community and Business Relations. “The employers in our region are eager to support their employees as they enhance their job skills and grow their company through professional development opportunities with Iowa Lakes continuing education.”

Participants can be individuals currently working or someone who would like to explore either of these certificates. Thirty-minute information sessions will be hosted on the Estherville Campus on May 4, by appointment only. To schedule a time, please contact Deloris Young, 712.362.0431.

The classes will be presented through a hybrid delivery system, with a specific time for class to meet and software that will provide immediate feedback as participants complete assignments to practice concepts. If needed, Iowa Lakes may offer a second session in July.

Both tracks are free, as scholarships and grant funds will cover tuition, books, and fees. Computers are available to check out to those who need them on a loan basis while in class.

The Future Ready Iowa goal is for 70 percent of Iowa’s workforce to obtain education and training beyond high school by 2025.  Approximately 60 percent of Iowa’s workforce meets these education and training criteria currently. Iowa Lakes is one of 13 entities awarded grants from the second round of Employer Innovation Fund grants.

For additional information, contact Jolene Rogers, Iowa Lakes Executive Director of Community & Business Relations, at jrogers@iowalakes.educreate new email.