Kirkwood Hall
The state of Iowa recognized Kirkwood Community College for its career-readiness efforts that lead to workplace success. The college was named winner of Iowa’s Career Preparedness Award.
The State Board of Education recognized Kirkwood during its meeting Thursday, May 9. The recognition program launched this year through a partnership with ACT, Inc. The annual program recognizes the exemplary efforts of one student, one school, one community college and one employer in Iowa.
Kirkwood was chosen as the community college winner as “a leader in innovative approaches to student career preparedness. The college also works to improve economic strength and quality of life in eastern Iowa through efforts to increase graduation and certificate completion, as well as partnerships with employers, economic development groups and educational institutions.”
The college puts an emphasis on career preparedness to include K-12, community college students, alumni, faculty, community members and regional employers.
Kirkwood’s region conducts the most job profiles in the state, profiling curriculum and working employers. The college gathers local employer skills information and workforce projections, and identifies employers’ concerns with the lack of foundation essential and technical skills in the workforce, addressing them through changes in curriculum and work-ready foundational skill attainment.
“We’re honored to be recognized as a leader in preparing students and eastern Iowans for meaningful employment in our region,” said Kirkwood President Mick Starcevich. “We take a real pride in being the community’s college, identifying and meeting the needs of our people and industries, and elevating the quality of living in the Creative Corridor.”
Through Kirkwood’s partnership with ACT, the college created its Skills Advantage program, which includes more than 230 regional employers and numerous community partners. Utilizing ACT’s KeyTrain, Kirkwood awarded more than 6,000 National Career Readiness Certificates, supporting students and providing skills.
“We must look beyond making sure all students get a high school diploma and ensure they are prepared with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in postsecondary education and training,” said Iowa Department of Education Director Jason Glass. “The quality of our workforce, and ultimately, the quality of life in Iowa, depends on it.
“This recognition program highlights the critical work that is invested not only in the future of our high school graduates, but also in the future of our communities and our state.”
Winners of the four awards were selected by teams from the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa’s community colleges using a variety of criteria.
Iowa was one of seven states invited to organize a state recognition program as part of a national ACT campaign to celebrate achievement and create awareness of the goal of college and career readiness for all.
A national selection committee made up of education and workforce development leaders reviewed state honorees in April to select one honoree per category for national recognition. Recipients will be announced at the ACT National Gala on College and Career Readiness in Washington, D.C., on May 21.