SHELDON, IA (Northwestiowanow) — Northwest Iowa Community College has been awarded a $2.42 million federal grant to expand student success initiatives and strengthen workforce development.

Issued by the U.S. Department of Education, the five-year Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant will support efforts to improve enrollment management, academic support services, and data-informed advising. The funding will also help develop new programs in high-demand fields like health care and manufacturing.

The grant aligns with NCC’s goals to increase access to higher education and improve outcomes for students from enrollment through graduation. It also builds on the college’s history of securing federal support for institutional growth, including a previous Title III award in 2011.

College leaders plan to use the funding to enhance student pathways, expand career-focused programming, and address workforce needs in rural northwest Iowa.