Iowa Lakes Community College Awarded $1.98 Million Grant for Industrial Training and Workforce Development

Iowa Lakes Community College has been awarded a $1,986,637 grant through the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITAC) expansion initiative. This funding will enable Iowa Lakes to enhance its industrial training programs, particularly in areas related to energy efficiency, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability. The college is one of a select group of institutions chosen to bolster workforce training in critical sectors nationwide.

With this funding, Iowa Lakes plans to expand its curriculum, offering hands-on training that prepares students for the demands of modern industries, driving local economic growth and innovation. This will directly impact the Welding Technology, Engineering Technology, Electrical Technology, and Wind Energy & Turbine Technology programs, ensuring students gain practical, in-demand skills in high-growth industries.

Scott Stokes, President of Iowa Lakes Community College, highlighted the broader vision: “We are incredibly honored to receive this grant and excited about the opportunities it will create for our students and the industries we serve. This funding allows us to build on our tradition of delivering high-quality, relevant education that meets the needs of employers and provides pathways to rewarding careers, especially in fields like welding, electrical technology, and renewable energy.”

Jeff Soole, Dean of Career and Technical Education & Workforce Training emphasized the impact on specific programs, “This grant positions Iowa Lakes as a leader in industrial and workforce training. Our Welding Technology, Electrical Technology, Engineering Technology, and Wind Energy & Turbine Technology programs will receive significant support to advance energy-efficient practices and state-of-the-art training. Our students will be prepared for the challenges of industries essential to the nation’s economic and energy future.”

The U.S. Department of Energy’s ITAC expansion program aims to advance energy-efficient practices and foster innovation in industrial settings. The grant will be used to upgrade Iowa Lakes’ training facilities, provide cutting-edge equipment, and expand partnerships with local and regional industries, ensuring students receive practical, workforce-ready experience.

These enhancements will create new learning opportunities and improve career outcomes for students pursuing careers in fields vital to the U.S. economy, including manufacturing, energy, and sustainable technology.

Additional Benefits of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Industrial Training and Assessment Centers (ITAC) expansion initiative

Through this initiative, Iowa Lakes will not only enhance academic programs but also provide twenty-four, $3,000 scholarships over three years for students pursuing clean energy industry careers. Additionally, 60 internship stipends, valued at $1,296 each, will be available over that same time period to help students cover living expenses while gaining real-world experience. These internships are designed to give students hands-on exposure to the energy sector while easing the financial burden.

Additionally, Iowa Lakes will also conduct 50 technical assessments in small to medium-sized manufacturing facilities, aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainability in the industry. These assessments will provide valuable learning opportunities for students while directly impacting the local economy and environmental sustainability.