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27 August 2010
A skilled and educated workforce is key to rebuilding a strong economy. That’s why we keep investing in the college and job training programs that are helping make Iowa’s economic outlook brighter than other states.
To make job training and a college education a real opportunity for more Iowans, I’ve worked to ensure that higher education remains affordable. For example, this year the Legislature provided $24 million specifically to help prevent increases in tuition, student fees and charges at our state universities.
We’re also helping community colleges prepare Iowa students for good jobs. Our community colleges provide an affordable, high-quality education to tens of thousands of Iowans each year. They are the pathway to a better life for many families, helping to build the skilled workforce needed to fill high-wage jobs and attract top-notch businesses to Iowa.
During the 2010 session, we once again provided strong financial support for our community colleges and their programs. This includes:
- $5.5 million for Accelerated Career Education (ACE), which allows community colleges to partner with local businesses to provide vocational programs and accelerated training for employees.
- $2.4 million for Vocational-Technical Tuition Grants for community college students training for technical careers necessary for Iowa’s economic development.
- $2.4 million for the All Iowa Opportunity Scholarship, which provides $2,500 grants for eligible first-year community college students.
- $2 million for major renovations and repairs, including health, life and fire safety needs, and for compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.
- An increase of $825,000 for faculty salaries.
