Iowa Valley Community College District's E2G Grant Expands Robotics Training for Rural Manufacturers
Iowa Valley Community College District is using its $5 million SBA Empower to Grow Grant to strengthen robotics and advanced manufacturing training in rural Iowa. The investment will help local small manufacturers build capacity while giving more students a path to high demand careers close to home.
IVCCD learned about the E2G Grant opportunity during a community college roundtable led by SBA Associate Administrator Lisa Shimkat. At the roundtable, Shimkat shared information about the forthcoming funding opportunity and its focus on helping small manufacturers access workforce training and technical assistance. IVCCD recognized that the program aligned closely with its manufacturing priorities and began working with business partners to prepare its application.
The award comes at an important moment for the District. IVCCD recently expanded its one-year industrial maintenance diploma into a two-year Robotics and Automation associate degree, which launched this fall. The College is also continuing to update technical education programs, which are already at capacity with students waiting to enroll.
“This grant could not come at a better time. We are updating our robotics, welding, machining and tool and die programs to better meet the needs of local industry. This funding will help us complete that work, expand access, and serve more students.” - Anne Howsare Boyens, Ph.D., President, Iowa Valley Community College District
The E2G Grant will allow IVCCD to obtain the modern equipment needed to grow its robotics and automation program. For a rural community college, the cost of industry grade equipment can present a significant barrier to expanding hands on training. The funding will help ensure students learn on technology that reflects the equipment manufacturers use today.
“Robotics is changing all the time. This funding will allow us to train students on the latest technology and give them a strong foundation on the machinery businesses are using right now.” - Anne Howsare Boyens, Ph.D., President, Iowa Valley Community College District
The grant will also help IVCCD work directly with small manufacturers as they explore or expand automation. The college will provide training and technical assistance that responds to businesses at different stages of adoption. That may include helping a company assess its automation needs, identify opportunities to improve a process, or prepare workers to use new technology.
“This grant gives us the opportunity to help our business partners build their capacity while developing the workforce that will feed into those businesses and industries.” - Anne Howsare Boyens, Ph.D., President, Iowa Valley Community College District
For students, the investment means expanded access to education and training that can lead to in demand, well-paying careers in their own communities. IVCCD students will be able to develop skills in robotics, automation, welding, machining, and industrial maintenance while local employers gain access to a stronger pipeline of skilled workers.
“This is a win for our students, our employers and our rural communities. Students can gain high demand skills, find highly skilled jobs locally, and invest back in the communities they call home.” - Anne Howsare Boyens, Ph.D., President, Iowa Valley Community College District
Through the E2G Grant, IVCCD is building on existing partnerships and preparing for long term growth. By connecting small manufacturers with practical support and giving students access to current training and equipment, the District is helping rural Iowa businesses compete, create opportunity, and strengthen the communities they serve.