Education That Strengthens Communities and Builds Careers
On any given day at Kirkwood Community College, you’ll find students walking to class with purpose—some balancing work and school, others mapping out transfer plans, and many preparing to step directly into careers that will help shape their communities. While their paths may look different, their reasons for choosing Kirkwood often sound similar: opportunity, support, and a place that feels like home.
For Cedar Rapids native Jason Jarquin, that opportunity started even before his first day on campus. Entering college with 20 credits already completed through the Kirkwood Career Academies, he quickly realized how much of a head start he had.
“Having 20 college credits from high school has been a huge advantage,” Jarquin said. “While my classmates are juggling those classes now, I can take a lighter load, graduate early, or even use that time to study abroad. It’s opened up more possibilities.”
Affordability is a major factor for many students, and Kirkwood continues to stand out with one of the lowest tuition rates in Iowa. Scholarships make that value even stronger, with more than $3 million available to students annually. One example is the Seidler Foundation 12th Grade Scholarship, which is designed for Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Kennedy, and Washington High School students who will be attending Kirkwood, and it shows the type of support that Kirkwood students have from day one.
Jarquin experienced that impact firsthand. “I received the Seidler Foundation Scholarship, which covered $5,000 a year, plus a laptop from the EagleShop,” he said. “That kind of support has been a gamechanger for me. It’s made college more affordable and helped me focus on my goals.”
For many students, staying close to home while receiving a high-quality education is just as important as cost. That balance led Thierrina Wolotoh to Kirkwood’s outstanding nursing program.
“I chose Kirkwood because it’s close to home, affordable, and has a highly regarded nursing program,” Wolotoh said. “What truly sealed the deal was receiving a scholarship. That kind of support made college not only possible, but exciting. Once I registered for classes, everything fell into place—and I knew I made the right decision.”
Wolotoh’s goal is clear: to make a difference. “I chose nursing because I want to have a positive impact on people’s lives,” she said. “Knowing I could be the reason someone keeps fighting is what drives me.”
That sense of purpose is something Kirkwood helps students turn into action. Programs are designed not only for academic excellence, but to prepare students for real-world careers—whether in healthcare, business, skilled trades, or beyond.
For Mariana Martinez of Coralville, one moment made everything click. During orientation, a visit to Kirkwood’s state-of-the-art Simulation Center left a lasting impression.
“When I came to orientation and saw the Sim Center, I was amazed,” Martinez said. “The staff asked us to think about how we’d want our own parents or grandparents to be treated—and that really stuck with me. That’s when I knew I wanted to be a nurse and go to Kirkwood.”
She credits the faculty with creating an environment rooted in both skill and compassion. “What sold me on Kirkwood’s nursing program was the combination of kindness and passion from the staff,” she said. “They care deeply about preparing us to be great nurses and compassionate people.”
Beyond academics, students consistently point to the support systems that make Kirkwood feel different. Smaller class sizes mean instructors know their students, and resources across campus help ensure no one falls behind.
For Alexis Petty of Cedar Rapids, those resources have been essential. “If you have a learning disability like me, you should come to Kirkwood,” she said. “The resources here are built for students like us, and they make a huge difference.”
From tutoring to testing accommodations, Petty found a network of people committed to her success. “I’ve had access to the Learning Center, Test Center, and TRIO program, which helped me get tutoring and stay on track—especially with math,” she said. “Even when things were stressful, I always felt supported. Teachers and staff were on my side.”
That sense of belonging extends beyond the classroom. For De’Jah Jordan, Kirkwood offered both the experience of a larger campus and the connection of a smaller one.
“You still get the full college experience, but with smaller classes and more one-on-one time with your professors,” Jordan said. “Kirkwood doesn’t feel like a typical community college—it really feels like a university, but with a more personal experience.”
It’s also a place where students grow personally. “I used to keep to myself, but Kirkwood has made it easier to open up,” she said. “I’ve made great connections just by being myself.”
Students like Harris Ndang Chi see Kirkwood as the ideal starting point for ambitious goals. “I plan to go to med school, but starting in nursing at Kirkwood just makes sense,” he said. “The full program is right here, so I don’t have to move. It’s the perfect start to my journey.”
And for Diego Sanchez of Kalona, the decision comes down to one simple message: “Just go for it—Kirkwood has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I love the people, the staff, the environment. It’s truly a great experience.”
Together, these stories paint a clear picture. At Kirkwood, students aren’t just earning degrees—they’re building futures. With affordable pathways, high-quality programs, and a community that supports every step, Kirkwood continues to strengthen communities by preparing students for meaningful, lasting careers.