Estherville, Iowa (NorthwestIowaNow.com) — A new press release from Iowa Lakes Community College highlights significant grant growth at the same time the school is defending itself against a whistleblower lawsuit.

The college’s Board of Trustees met Tuesday afternoon, focusing on the impact of grants and external funding that support student success, workforce development, and campus innovation. According to Erin Dirks, the college’s Grant Writer, Iowa Lakes has secured over three-point-three million dollars in grants over the past five years. Dirks stated that every grant is a step toward expanding opportunity and strengthening communities, emphasizing that these funds represent lives impacted and barriers removed.

The funds have been used for a wide range of initiatives. This includes TRIO Programs, which serve more than 960 students annually, and a new one hundred-fifty-thousand-dollar Department of Energy grant for scholarships and equipment. The college’s High School Aviation Program also received funding through the Federal Aviation Administration.

This positive report on grant activity comes as the college faces a lawsuit from a former administrator. The lawsuit claims she was wrongfully terminated after reporting allegations of inflated enrollment numbers and the misuse of grant funds to state and federal officials.

While the college has been advised not to comment on the pending litigation, it has stated its confidence in defending itself against the claims.