Hawkeye Community College To Lead $10.8M Iowa Workforce Training Program

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $10,800,000 to a program focused on expanding short-term training programs and developing Workforce Pell-eligible programs at Iowa’s community colleges.   Named Iowa Systems, Training, and Resources for Opportunity, Navigation, and Growth (Iowa STRONG), the project is a united effort between Iowa’s community colleges, the Iowa Department of Education, and Iowa Workforce Development (IWD). Hawkeye Community College will manage statewide implementation of the program, which aims to develop more than 50 Workforce Pell-eligible training programs in advanced manufacturing, construction and skilled trades, and healthcare by 2030.  At Hawkeye Community College, the Iowa STRONG project will provide key resources to align high-demand programs such as HVAC, Pharmacy Technician, CDL training, Construction, and CNC machining for Workforce Pell eligibility, creating accessible career pathways for local students.