Solutions Created Through Partnerships

Partnerships between Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC), businesses, workforce agencies and local organizations are creating new employment opportunities for students of all backgrounds and skill levels. The partnerships also impact the workforce skills of individuals in our region and support the needs of local business.

Many individuals in our communities have the desire to advance their skills and education, yet have barriers to training and full-time employment, such as childcare and transportation needs. Steeple Square and Four Mounds Foundation are partnering with NICC to create solutions.

Through one initiative, Steeple Square established a daycare center at its urban campus in Dubuque. The center offers affordable and accessible services for community members. While students train at the College in short-term certificate programs, such as Customer Service or Culinary Foundations, they know their children will be safe and supervised. Another problem-solving solution was achieved last fall with Steeple Square’s completion of an on-site kitchen for students training in the Culinary Foundations program.

These solutions are possible by pooling resources between organizations to expand reach and effectiveness.

“The unique perspective each partner brings to the table ensures that all barriers to success are addressed for program participants. With effective collaboration, we are able to provide greater opportunities that any of us could on our own. From fundraising to programming to job placement, we work together to help individuals succeed,” said Judy Wolf, Steeple Square Board of Directors treasurer.

The new kitchen constructed at the site provides skills training for students, added Nancy Kann, board member and real estate development director/project management for Gronen Properties.

“This targeted programming provides individuals specific tools and expanded basic core skills necessary to earn a quality standard of living, and provides employers with a more ready, well-rounded and competent workforce. As both sectors thrive, our entire community prospers in a multitude of ways,” Nancy said.

In the future the College will host cooking classes for the public at Steeple Square.