Advocacy and Policy
State: Engage in Quorum Campaigns!
We need you to advocate for Iowa community colleges! We have two critical campaigns happening right now that amount to millions of dollars of funding at stake. Be sure to send a message for both “Preserve 260E Industrial New Jobs Training Program” and “House Property Tax Impact on Iowa Community Colleges.” And please encourage folks in your circle who care about community colleges to write a message, too!
Property Tax Reform
Earlier this week, the Iowa Senate passed their version of property tax reform on a 41-4 vote. Thank you to all our advocates who reached out to their Senator earlier this week to let them know how this will impact Iowa’s community colleges. Now is the time to reach out to your Iowa House Representative and ensure they know how this will impact their community college!
Preserve 260E
There are active bills in the Iowa House and Senate that would eliminate the 260E Industrial New Jobs Training Program, and subsequently, through the same funding mechanism, the 260F Iowa Jobs Training Program and the 84E Apprenticeship Program.
Legislators are asking to hear from you. Business owners, economic developers, community college employees, and students can all attest to their own opportunities, successes, and results. Every Iowan, especially those of us in rural parts of the state, benefits from the economic impact of these programs.
The end of the legislative session is looming, and these are our final chances to keep community college funding. While overtime is possible, and even likely, these bills could move forward at any time.
Having hundreds of Iowans speaking up for community colleges is our best chance to have these bills amended before it’s too late. We appreciate your diligence in sending these messages yourself and sharing our action center with fellow community college supporters.
Federal: President’s Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Request
Last week, on April 3rd, President Donald Trump released his budget request for fiscal year 2027. Importantly, the administration is requesting $76.5 billion for the Department of Education, a decrease of $2.3 billion from last year. While this is a smaller decrease than the one proposed last year, likely in part because of Pell Grant Funding, the other portions of the budget closely follow many of the other requests made by the administration for fiscal year 2026.
The budget would eliminate many programs that are critical to community colleges, including the elimination of funding for TRIO, GEAR-UP, Adult Basic Education, Minority Serving Institutions (MSI), Strengthening Institutions, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants and Childcare Access Means Parents in School program. On the other hand, the budget proposes an increase of $10.5 billion for the Pell Grant program to help cover its current budgetary shortfall. While alarming, this is only the proposed budget from the President, and it is Congress’s job to pass the spending bills.
Fortunately, last year Congress rejected many of the administration’s proposed cuts and funded most of these critical programs at the same levels as the previous year. That’s why it is vital that we continue our advocacy with Members of Congress about the importance of these programs.
CCforIowa Bulletin
Let’s Celebrate: April is National Community College Month
#CCMonth is a national opportunity to shine a spotlight on the vital role community colleges play in powering America’s workforce, expanding economic mobility, and strengthening local communities.
In 2026, community colleges stand at the center of some of the most important national conversations:
- Workforce shortages in health care, transportation, manufacturing, cybersecurity, education, construction, and clean energy
- The rapid integration of AI, automation, and emerging technologies into nearly every field
- Growing public scrutiny of the cost and ROI of higher education
- The need for community‑rooted pathways that open doors for learners of all ages
This year’s theme — “The Smartest First Step. The Strongest Next Step.” — captures the full reality of what community colleges offer:
- A first step for millions who begin their higher education journey affordably and transfer successfully
- A next step for workers upgrading their skills in a changing economy
- And for many, the complete step — a terminal credential that launches an essential, well‑paid career in fields like nursing, welding, HVAC, public safety, IT support, industrial maintenance, medical technology, and more
In Iowa, we will be celebrating by sharing student stories, spotlighting each of our community colleges, and highlighting the successes of our statewide model. Be sure you’re following CCforIowa on your social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X) to see the great work being done across the state!
Registration Open: Join us for the Summer Trustee Conference
It’s a special year to gather at our annual events with the 60th anniversary of the Iowa Community College System. This milestone conference will honor the past, highlight the present, and look ahead to the future of student success in Iowa.
- Who: Trustees and Presidents
- When: July 7 (optional afternoon activities), July 8 (day – conference, night – awards), and July 9 (dismissal at lunch for easier travels)
- Where: Iowa Valley Community College District, 3700 S Center St, Marshalltown, IA 50158
- What: Trustees will come together to reflect on six decades of service to students, communities, and the state, while engaging in conversations about the evolving role of governance in strengthening access and opportunity. ACCT President and CEO Jee Hang Lee will join trustees for this special anniversary event.
Due May 1: Nominations for our 2026 Trustee & Community College Leadership Awards
We need your help to identify exceptional leaders who have gone above and beyond in support of Iowa’s community colleges. Take a close look at the awards descriptions and complete the nomination process so we can recognize and celebrate these leaders this summer!
John P. Kibbie Award
This award honors an active trustee who has made a significant and positive impact in their local community and college. This could include developing innovative programs, advancing legislative efforts, or demonstrating leadership in addressing institutional challenges.
- Must be an active Trustee at an Iowa Community College
- Current CCforIowa Board members and past recipients are ineligible
Larry Ebbers Honorary Trustee Award
This award is not given annually and is determined through a recommendation process by the CCforIowa board. As an Honorary Trustee, this award goes to someone who has demonstrated a significant impact on the Iowa Community College sector.
- Current or former Iowa Community College Trustees are ineligible
- Must be nominated by a CCforIowa Board member
Resources
More information about the awards
Northeast Iowa Community College’s holds annual College Development Day, CCforIowa Executive Director Emily Shields featured as a speaker
Many of Iowa’s community colleges hold annual college-wide professional development days to focus on mission and purpose. Earlier this month, Northeast Iowa Community College made it an unforgettable day for colleagues to connect with one another. Emily’s sessions homed in on grounded leadership and clarity in uncertain times, speaking to the importance of “one voice, one future.” It’s our team’s favorite days when we’re on campus with you!
News
KETV News Watch 7: “Council Bluffs Fire Dept. donates engine to Iowa Western Community College”
Iowa Western Community College recently revived its Fire Sciences department, just in time for a generous donation from the Council Bluffs Fire Department. With the growing concern for wildfires and a need for new experts in the field, the partnership just makes sense. “They provide so many trades, and it just gives us options for employment when it’s time to hire people,” said Council Bliffs Fire Dept. Chief Jim Wood. Read the full article here.
KQ Radio: “Iowa Central Partners with Industry Experts to Deliver Advanced Rail Safety Training for NEW Cooperative”
Iowa Central Community College and Northern Plains Rail Safety delivered customized five-day safety training at NEW Cooperative’s rail-served locations. By combining classroom instruction with hands-on learning, employees of NEW Cooperative received industry-standard training on rail switching, three-way communication, consistent PPE requirements, and identification of track pointers. This in-depth training was made possible through the 260E and 260F legislative programs, which support workforce development. Read the full article here.
KCSJ 1360 AM: “Northwest Iowa Community College – 60th Anniversary Chamber Coffee”
Northwest Iowa Community College is marking 60 years of service with a special Chamber Coffee. The community is invited to the Lifelong Learning and Recreation Center (LLRC) at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, April 27 for a celebration of NCC’s 60th birthday and a reflection on its history by honoring the many people who helped shape NCC over the years. Read the full article here.
Channel 6 KWQC: “EICC marks community college month with free classes all April”
To celebrate Community College Month, Eastern Iowa Community College is hosting free classes through the end of April. The classes include 3D modeling, floral design, automotive basics, and much more. The classes are meant to offer access and opportunity to community members who want to explore new skills and career paths. Read the full article here.
KSCJ 1360 AM: Northwest Iowa Community College Offering Industrial Maintenance Electrical Certificate Program May 7–September 1
Northwest Iowa Community College (NCC) is offering an Industrial Maintenance Electrical certificate program from May 7 through September 1, 2026, on the NCC campus in Sheldon. Industrial Maintenance Technicians work in industries such as manufacturing and bioprocessing, and wages typically range from $23 to $25 per hour. Many Iowa-based students may qualify for free tuition for the course through available funding programs.
Resources
Trustee Tip: A Trustee’s Role in Advocacy
Advocacy is a continuous, collaborative effort that requires engagement from trustees at multiple levels. By participating in Quorum, the Trustee Conference, and Community College Day on the Hill, trustees ensure that Iowa’s community colleges remain a legislative priority. At this point in the session, we are at a full sprint to take these foundational elements and move toward favorable results. We’re grateful for your leadership so we can finish strong. Please contact your legislator about the bills we’re concerned about while there is still a window for amendments, and ask other community college supporters to do the same. More about Trustees’ relationship to advocacy can be found in the Trustee Handbook here.
Data in Action Series
A Peek at April’s Session
Focused on “Workforce Alignment and Employer Engagement,” this session will highlight how colleges can leverage labor market data and employer feedback to strengthen programs and align them with workforce needs. Participants will explore tools such as Lightcast Analyst, wage record data, employer surveys, and employer demand data in order to evaluate program relevance and support continuous improvement. The session will also include an update on ongoing work to develop a systemwide approach for assessing college readiness, with additional details to be shared as that work progresses.
Register Now for Spring Sessions
- Monday, April 20 – 3-4:30 pm – Workforce Alignment & Employer Engagement
- Tuesday, April 21 – 11a.m.-12p.m. – Iowa Insights from the 2025 Community College Survey
- Thursday, May 14 – 9-10:30 am – Enrollment Management & Strategic Planning
- Monday, June 8 – 12-1:30 pm – Operational Efficiency & Resource Allocation
These topics may be helpful to several departments or positions on each campus. All who are interested are encouraged to attend as we embrace data at every level! Read each session’s description here.
Iowa Chapter of the Association of Physical Plant Administrators’ 2026 Spring Conference to be held April 14-15 in Des Moines
Join IAAPPA and other education facilities professionals from across Iowa to discuss, collaborate, and learn about the newest challenges and opportunities facing Iowa’s educational institutions today. This conference is being held in Des Moines’ East Village at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Des Moines Downtown. Register here.
