Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) will receive a $1 million state grant to expand career academy opportunities for high school students and strengthen career-connected learning. 

The funding, awarded through Iowa’s Career Academy Incentive Fund, will modernize learning spaces at Clinton Community College (CCC) and enhance three career academies serving high school students: Healthcare, Criminal Justice and Networking for Systems and Security. 

The upgrades will allow students to train with modern equipment, participate in more immersive learning experiences, and build career skills while earning college credit. 

“The Career Academy Incentive Fund is an innovative program tailored to regional workforce needs, providing high school students with opportunities to gain valuable experience, connect with local employers and earn industry credentials and college credit,” Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said.  

“I commend this year’s awardees for their dedication and leadership in expanding opportunities so more Iowa students have the opportunity to prepare for high-demand careers,” she added. 

The CCC campus provides concurrent classes and Career Academy programs to high schoolers from eight school districts. Last year, 541 high school students enrolled in concurrent classes, including 159 students who participated in career academies. Together, those students earned 1,845.5 college credit hours. 

“This investment allows more high school students to experience college-level learning while gaining hands-on skills in fields where employers need talent,” said EICC Chancellor, Bryan Renfro, PhD. “Students are learning about careers, building real skills and a foundation for their future.” 

The project will modernize facilities and learning environments for three academies: 

  • Healthcare: Renovation of the nursing lab will create a simulated clinical environment where students can practice patient care skills and work toward the Certified Nurse Aide credential while preparing for future healthcare careers. 
  • Criminal Justice: A new scenario-based simulator will allow students to practice decision-making, communication, and situational awareness through immersive training that reflects real-world public safety situations. 
  • Networking for Systems and Security: Updated wiring, equipment and collaborative classroom space will support hands-on learning in cybersecurity and information technology, helping students develop technical skills in one of today’s fastest-growing career fields. 

“The improvements will ensure students from across the region, including many from rural school districts, can access high-quality career and technical education close to home while exploring career pathways and preparing for both college and employment,” said Renfro.  

Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow said more learners are attaining work-based learning experiences and college credit while in high school than ever before. 

“We are proud to partner with these education and industry leaders in connecting the classroom to the workplace, empowering all students with multiple pathways to high-wage and public-good careers here in Iowa,” Snow said.  

The Career Academy Incentive Fund, spearheaded by Gov. Reynolds in 2019 and administered by the Iowa Department of Education, supports partnerships among community colleges, school districts, businesses, and community stakeholders to expand career-connected learning opportunities for Iowa students. 

EICC was one of four Iowa community colleges awarded Career Academy Incentive Fund grants this year.