–Iowa Lakes Community College will receive nearly $2 Million in funding to enhance their industrial training programs, particularly in areas related to energy efficiency, advanced manufacturing, and sustainability. Jeff Soole is the Dean of Career and Technical Education & Workforce Training at Iowa Lakes, and he tells KLGA News the grant funding is coming from the federal government.
The grant funding through the US Department of Energy will allow Iowa Lakes to make additions and upgrades to a number of their degree programs.
Besides new and upgraded equipment, Soole says the grant will impact their students in other ways.
Soole says they already have things in motion to get these changes implemented on campus.
Part of the grant funding will also be used to fund 24 scholarships over a three-year period for students pursuing a career in a clean energy industry. Along with the scholarships, 60 internship stipends of nearly $1,300 will be awarded to help students cover living expenses while gaining real-world experience in the energy sector. Additionally, Iowa Lakes will be able to conduct 50 technical assessments in small to medium sized manufacturing facilities, aimed at improving energy efficiency and sustainability in the industry. Find out more at www.iowalakes.edu.
