Are you thinking about starting college but dreading the process? Maybe you’ve been meaning to apply but keep putting it off because you aren’t sure where to start. We get it—between the application, the financial aid forms, and choosing classes, the process can feel overwhelming.

That’s why 51ÁÔÆæ is making it easier than ever to get started.

Mark your calendars for Monday, December 15, 2025. We are hosting an Instant Enrollment Day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and you are invited!

Why Should You Attend?

Think of this as your “One-Stop Shop” for college. Instead of making multiple trips to campus or playing phone tag with different departments, you can walk in with a goal and walk out with a schedule. Whether you are a brand-new student, a transfer student, or someone looking to pick up a few extra credits, this day is designed for you.

Here is exactly what you can cross off your to-do list in a single visit:

• Apply for Admission: We will have staff on hand to help you fill out your application right then and there.
• Financial Aid Help: The FAFSA can be tricky. Our financial aid experts will be available to answer your questions and help you figure out your funding options.
• Academic Advising: Not sure which classes to take? You’ll get to sit down with an advisor who can help you map out a pathway that fits your career goals.
• Register for Spring Classes: Best of all, you will leave with your class schedule in hand, ready to start the semester in January.

What to Bring

To make your day go as smoothly as possible, try to bring the following with you:

• A valid photo ID.
• Your official high school or college transcripts (if you have them).
• Your 2024 tax information (if you plan on filing your FAFSA with us).

No Appointment Needed!

You don’t need to call ahead or book a slot. Just stop by 51ÁÔÆæ Admissions (head toward the Pierce Administration Building) between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Don’t let the stress of “getting ready” for college ruin your holiday break. Come see us on December 15th, get everything handled in a few hours, and spend the rest of the holiday season knowing you’re officially a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan!

Event Details at a Glance:

• What: 51ÁÔÆæ Instant Enrollment Day
• When: Monday, December 15, 2025
• Time: 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Where: 51ÁÔÆæ Mason City Campus

See you Monday, December 15!

The post Get It All Done in One Day: Join Us for Instant Enrollment Day! appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Do people who attend community colleges go on to other colleges or universities? Yes they do!

As we celebrate National Transfer Student Week, 51ÁÔÆæ students are prepped for success after transferring – 51ÁÔÆæ students who transferred to a four-year institution went on to earn an average GPA of 3.24 in their first term, with 88% returning for the next year.

And the success doesn’t stop there! 51ÁÔÆæ students have a higher graduation rate after transferring than other Iowa community college transfer students.

51ÁÔÆæ ranks first in the state with a 72% overall average for university graduation rate trends within four years after transferring to a Regent University [2024 Community College Transfer Report, Iowa Department of Education].

On Wednesday we hosted a Transfer Fair to give students the opportunity to explore their next steps.

51ÁÔÆæ students met with representatives from four-year colleges and universities to learn more about programs, admissions and the transfer process.

Events like this help students plan their path to a bachelor’s degree — and beyond.

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51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) and the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) have recently developed an articulation agreement that will provide 51ÁÔÆæ Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) students with a seamless pathway to earning a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology at UNI. The agreement also offers UNI Kinesiology students an efficient route to obtaining a PTA degree from 51ÁÔÆæ, strengthening career opportunities in the field of physical therapy.

Strengthening Education and Career Pathways

“The articulation agreement between the UNI Kinesiology Department and 51ÁÔÆæ Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program will provide a smooth transition and structured pathway for both 51ÁÔÆæ PTA students who wish to pursue further education as well as for UNI Kinesiology students who are seeking a career in physical therapy,” said Susan Callanan, PTA Program Leader at 51ÁÔÆæ.

Under this agreement, 51ÁÔÆæ PTA students will receive credit toward the UNI Kinesiology major for some of their PTA coursework. This streamlined approach allows students to complete both an Associate Degree in PTA and a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology in four years, equipping them with advanced knowledge and skills. “The advanced knowledge from obtaining a Kinesiology degree will strengthen a PTA graduate’s knowledge base and skill level within the clinical arena,” Callanan added.

For students aiming to become Physical Therapists (PTs), this pathway provides essential foundational coursework and hands-on patient care experience prior to a graduate level PT program.  “This path provides students with immediate immersion into the physical therapy field, professional development, networking opportunities and confirmation of their career choice,” said Callanan.

UNI Kinesiology students also benefit from this agreement, as they will be awarded credit in the 51ÁÔÆæ PTA program for some of their coursework. This allows students to transition from their undergraduate studies at UNI to 51ÁÔÆæ and earn a PTA degree in under two years, significantly expanding their career options within the healthcare industry.

A Student Perspective

Paige Danger, a 51ÁÔÆæ PTA student from Iowa Falls/Ackley, expressed enthusiasm about the agreement, stating, “I think that the Kinesiology articulation agreement is an amazing opportunity for students at both UNI and 51ÁÔÆæ who want to continue their education. It makes the transfer process smoother for those pursuing their PTA license or a Bachelor’s degree.”

Danger, who has considered transferring to UNI for a degree in health sciences, sees this agreement as a beneficial option for students who want to deepen their understanding of physical therapy while staying on track to complete their education efficiently. “This would help me gain more knowledge about the human body within the same timeframe as a normal BA from an AA degree,” she noted. “If you are thinking about furthering your education or wanting a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences, this is a great program, and this agreement makes the transfer process much smoother and faster.”

A UNI Perspective

Dr. Fabio Fantana, Head (and professor) of the Department of Kinesiology and Athletic Training at UNI, emphasized the benefits of the agreement for both institutions. “This articulation agreement benefits students from both institutions in several key ways,” he explained. “It facilitates a smoother transfer of credits, allowing students to plan their academic futures with greater certainty. It also streamlines coursework, reducing both time and financial costs, and provides a clearer pathway for 51ÁÔÆæ PTA students who intend to pursue clinical doctorate programs in physical therapy.”

“Transfer students make up a large portion of our student body,” Fantana added. “We have a longstanding relationship with 51ÁÔÆæ faculty, and we really enjoy receiving students from 51ÁÔÆæ. 51ÁÔÆæ students have a strong reputation in our department for being well-prepared to succeed in the Kinesiology major.”

Expanding Opportunities for Students

Both 51ÁÔÆæ and UNI are committed to providing high-quality education with excellent facilities and dedicated faculty.  This articulation agreement enhances the existing partnership between the two institutions and expands opportunities for students interested in careers in physical therapy and related health sciences.

By making degree completion more efficient and accessible, this agreement helps students achieve their academic and career goals while strengthening the overall healthcare workforce in Iowa and beyond.

The mission of 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is to enrich lives through comprehensive educational opportunities, a commitment to learner success, community engagement, and leadership. Founded in 1918, 51ÁÔÆæ is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa, serving approximately 3,000 career and transfer students each year. Recognized by the Aspen Institute as one of the nation’s leading community colleges, 51ÁÔÆæ is where futures are found. Start your journey today at /apply-mkt/. Future, Found.

The post 51ÁÔÆæ and UNI Establish Articulation Agreement to Enhance PTA and Kinesiology Education Pathways appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is proud to introduce the Before the Bell Education Academy, a program designed to help individuals start or transition into a rewarding career in education—quickly and affordably.

The Before the Bell Education Academy is a hands-on program designed to help individuals start or transition into a career in education by earning college credit while gaining real-world experience working with students and teachers. Whether you’re pursuing a role as a paraeducator, teacher, or early childhood associate, this program offers the credentials and skills you need to succeed.

The Before the Bell Education Academy provides multiple pathways to fit your goals:

• Paraeducator
  Become a teaching assistant, supporting classroom teachers and working directly with students.

• Paraeducator to Teacher
  Take your career further by starting the path to becoming a licensed teacher for:
  • Elementary/Early Childhood Education (Pre-K-6th grade)
  • Secondary Education (5th-12th grade)

• Early Childhood Associate
  Prepare to work in childcare centers, preschools, or in-home daycare settings.

“The Before the Bell Education Academy is a game-changer,” said Kacy Larson, 51ÁÔÆæ Education Instructor. “Whether you’re starting fresh or changing careers, this program prepares you to make a meaningful difference in your community.”

Through the academy, participants can earn credits toward credentials like the Paraeducator Certificate, Early Childhood Diploma, or an Associate of Arts (AA) Degree focused on Education or Early Childhood Education.

Make a difference in your life—and in the lives of students you’ll inspire. Learn more at 51ÁÔÆæ’s Before the Bell Education Academy.

The post Start Your Career in Education with 51ÁÔÆæ’s Before the Bell Education Academy appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Future. Found.
At 51ÁÔÆæ, our new tagline, Future. Found., is more than just words—it’s a promise. It captures who we are, what we stand for, and the incredible journey we provide to students, businesses, and our community.

What Does Future. Found. Mean?
Future. Found. reflects our commitment to helping people find their path and achieve their goals. Whether you’re a student starting your academic journey, a professional seeking career advancement, or a business looking for collaboration and growth, we’re here to help you discover your future.

For Students: Your future starts here at 51ÁÔÆæ. From your first day in class to graduation and beyond, we guide and support you as you shape your future. We’re not just a place of learning—we’re a place where dreams take shape.

For Businesses: We’re a trusted partner, working side by side with local businesses and industries to foster innovation, growth, and workforce development. Together, we’re building a brighter future for our region.

For Our Community: Our commitment to lifelong learning, creativity, and collaboration extends beyond the classroom. At 51ÁÔÆæ, we help individuals and communities find new opportunities and create lasting impact.

Bringing Future. Found. to Life
We’re using Future. Found. to inspire everything we do across campus. From signage and digital displays to advertising campaigns and classroom discussions, this message will be woven into the fabric of 51ÁÔÆæ. It’s a reminder that, whether you’re here for education, career training, or community engagement, 51ÁÔÆæ is where your future begins.

Join Us
At 51ÁÔÆæ, the future isn’t just ahead—it’s found. Join us, and let’s discover what your future looks like together.

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Need to complete your FAFSA? We’ve got you covered—no appointment necessary! Just drop by the Financial Aid office in the Administration Building any Friday in August between 8 AM and 4 PM on the 51ÁÔÆæ Campus.

Our friendly team is ready to guide you through the process. And here’s the sweet part: We’re offering a FREE bowl of delicious ice cream from Birdsalls! (Yes, you read that right—free ice cream!) Plus, you’ll get a gift card to the 51ÁÔÆæ Bookzone. You’ll also get a gift certificate to Carpenter Coffee Company redeemable on Friday, August 30, 2024.

FAFSA Friday Events will be held:

• August 9, 2024

• August 16, 2024

• August 23, 2024

• August 30, 2024

What to bring:

• Your FSA ID username and password (don’t worry if you don’t have one yet—we’ll help you set it up).

• 2022 Federal Tax Return (optional but helpful).

Join us and make FAFSA easy and stress-free! See you there!

If you have any questions of for more information contact the Financial Aid Office at 641-422-4168 or Email: finaid@niacc.edu 

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Real careers. Real employers. Real possibilities. Area high school students got hands-on help realizing their future careers are totally attainable.

Industrial Simulator Day at 51ÁÔÆæ gave tomorrow’s employees the opportunity to see what today’s jobs look like. Melinda McGregor, Director of 51ÁÔÆæ’s Emerging Workforce Solutions, explains the networking that works. “We think it’s a great way for students to get hands-on opportunities to learn about these industrial careers and really to give them the opportunities to connect with employers who are in the field and learn about what is here and available in North Iowa.”

The younger workforce hopefuls can see available jobs and talk one-on-one with company representatives. Clear Lake freshman Charlie Larson took advantage of the experience. “We went to the panel and we talked to two people about what you needed for certain jobs and what they expected from you. And then we went and toured the campus to see what classes they offered.”

Connecting young people with businesses across the area takes a little work. But once it’s all organized, the event showcases the possibilities that await after graduation.

Cathy Spotts is with the Mason City Alternative High School. She appreciates the effort that goes into even the smallest details. “51ÁÔÆæ always does a great job of trying to figure out what the schools need. What is it that our students need. And they do a nice job of finding out what businesses need in the communities and then explaining, you know, that you kids are in a great position right now to just jump into a trade and make good money and with hardly any training or any experience.”

The idea of a four year college can be daunting; not just finding the right one, but affording higher education. The Industrial Simulator Day brought a sense of relief to those in attendance. Gavin Rosie, freshman, says, “I think that a lot of these stations are helpful in real life cause it shows you how to do basic things. And now there’s big things that could help you figure out your career in the future and figure out what you’re doing.”

“It surprised me that all these careers only take one or two years to finish. I think that’s really nice and interesting,” said Weston Conway, a junior at Clear Lake High School.

51ÁÔÆæ President Steve Schulz enjoys seeing the lightbulb moments for the students. “This is a great event for our local high school kids and anybody who’s interested in the trades and jobs of the future,” Schulz emphasizes. “It’s just fun to really see them light up and learn that there’s more to this than what you may have thought.”

McGregor agrees. “There are a lot of careers available here and we want students to see that they don’t have to go away to school to make a good wage. And we have employers here that are willing to work with us, work with the students, and provide these opportunities. All we have to do is make those connections happen.”

From simulators that give the students a hands-on moment with a potential career field to asking questions of panelists, the young people know that this experience is one they won’t take for granted. Jonas Hollemback is a junior at West Hancock. For him, the day confirmed what he already knew. “I’ve always been into the industry of what I want to pursue since I was little. And learning about how to become a better truck driver made me wanna go more into it.”

At the end of the day, it’s about discovering there’s an entire world of opportunity potentially right in these young peoples’ back yards..

51ÁÔÆæ, founded in 1918, is a nationally-recognized, two-year college located in central North Iowa.  With approximately 3,000 career and transfer students, the College has been recognized by the Aspen Institute as a leading community college in the nation.  51ÁÔÆæ welcomes students from across Iowa, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The College has served as a leader in student-centered learning, community engagement, and collaborative leadership for more than 100 years. Are you ready to become a Trojan? Apply Today at /apply-mkt/

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Iowa has a rich agricultural history.  We literally feed the world.

The agriculture industry has gone through some major transformations over the past 50 years.  These advances have expanded the scale, speed, and productivity of the agriculture industry.  Efficiency has become essential in order to produce the highest quality crop each year and produce the healthiest livestock, while also being thoughtful stewards of the land. 

One of the biggest changes in the industry over the years is the variety of careers associated with agriculture.  In the past, if you wanted to work in agriculture, you were a farmer.  Many people grew up on the family farm and took over as their parents retired. 

Today, there is a vast multitude of jobs associated with agriculture. It no longer matters where you grew up or what experience you have tending to a farm.

If this sounds intriguing to you, an Agriculture degree or diploma from 51ÁÔÆæ will help you move toward transfer or employment in , , , , , , or .

To learn more about the important and exciting field of agriculture and if it might be the right fit for you, attend the Agriculture Campus Spotlight on April 28^th at 9:00 am in the Stoltenberg Forum/Beem Center 200 at 51ÁÔÆæ. 

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I think it’s safe to say the early years of college when one is finding their way in life and choosing a career, are filled with emotions. 

There’s the excitement of graduation and the thought of living on your own.  Anticipation often creeps in as you meet new people and are forced out of your comfort zone.  Thoughts of anxiety and apprehension are quite common, wondering if you’ve chosen the right career path. 

It’s easy to second-guess yourself.  Sometimes, all it takes is a simple connection for everything to snap into place. 

A relationship.

The correlation between finding your passion and doing what you love.

On April 6^th, 51ÁÔÆæ Continuing Education will host a in the Muse Norris Conference Center.  Any student who is interested in learning more about how to become a professional in the workplace is encouraged to attend. 

The ability to set yourself apart from the crowd has become an integral part of success when comparing yourself to the competition in the workplace.  Standing out often comes from consistent, hard work.  There’s no denying that attitude is a key element to helping you stand out from everyone around you.  Positivity shines so brightly it can be blinding. 

The keynote speaker during the conference, Jason Laube, knows all about hard work.  After receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Health and Human Performance, he worked with a slew of athletes as the Strength and Conditioning coach for 19 varsity sports on campus.  He spent two summers interning for the Kansas City Chiefs before accepting a position with the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe. 

Laube didn’t settle there, though.  He knew there were bigger opportunities for him.  He just had to buckle down and do the work; a life skill he instills in the many athletes he’s trained throughout the years. 

“The number one thing young people need to do is put in the work,” he stated.  “Part of the process is learning we’ve all been there and done that.”

After Europe, Jason obtained his Master of Education degree in Exercise Physiology & Sports Nutrition from the University of Minnesota.  While there, he continued his career path as the Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach for the Gopher football team.  From there, he took a position with Velocity Sports Performance where he ran camps and provided training to high school and professional athletes. 

He moved to Clear Lake in 2007 and made a dream come true by opening Cutting Edge Fitness.  For the past twelve years, he has made it his mission to provide the highest quality training for high school athletes, college athletes, and community members. 

Along with operating the gym, Jason currently serves as the Director of Strength and Conditioning at Waldorf University.  In this position, he is responsible for 480 student-athletes across 22 varsity sports programs.  Since his arrival, all sports have seen an increase in results, with some recording the best year in history. 

51ÁÔÆæ students have the opportunity of a lifetime in hearing him speak.  His passion doesn’t just apply to athletes or those looking to get in shape.  Dedication, work ethic, and a positive attitude can be used in any career path. 

Jason knows the importance of positivity.  Whether that is in the workplace, in sports, or in life.  “Having the mindset of wanting more and being better is how you will separate yourself from the rest of them,” he said. 

The is a great opportunity for 51ÁÔÆæ students to learn ways to develop leadership skills and work ethic to catapult their career path to the next level.  Hearing Jason Laube speak about his journey to success and his testimony for reaching goals is something you definitely don’t want to miss!

Check out all of the conference speakers and their topics, then

The post Don’t Just Dream About Your Future – Build It! appeared first on 51ÁÔÆæ Minute.

Now is a great time to consider a career in the skilled trades. With the aging population of baby boomers set to retire, the shortage of workers to take their place has sent a bit of a shockwave through the country. There is a serious lack of individuals with the skills to support the American infrastructure.

But that is not the only reason the trades have suffered.

For years, it’s been pushed on high school students to attend a four-year university and obtain a bachelor’s degree. It was just the way of the world. The traditional perception was that high paying jobs were only found if you followed this path.

This is simply not true.

Skilled tradespeople often make equivalent to or more than their academic counterparts. Most trade jobs not only offer high take home pay, but great benefit and retirement packages.

Plus, workers aren’t carrying a heavy debt on their shoulders from school.

Completing a skilled trades program usually takes less time to complete; anywhere from 8 weeks to 2 years. Students get hands-on training to prepare them for the workforce. In some cases, apprenticeships are available for experience-based education.

51ÁÔÆæ has programs in Automotive Technology, Building Trades, Diesel Technology, Welding, Heating & Air Conditioning, Tool & Die Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Industrial Mechanics, and Industrial Systems.

The growing demand for trades means jobs will always be plentiful. We found during the 2020 Global Pandemic that skilled trade workers were not impacted like other jobs were. Because of this, workers can levy their skills for better wages, benefits, jobs and more stability.

Plus, the pay can be great!

Due to the high demand of these careers, the wages earned in them have always been substantial. Now, as workers continue to grow and learn in their field, they are able to gain even higher income by learning more applications and processes.

In a nutshell, pursuing a career in a skilled trade is a win/win across the board!

If you have an interest in learning about these high demand fields and how you can get in, get out, and get to work, you MUST check out the 51ÁÔÆæ Spring Spotlight Visit on March 31st. Beginning at 9:00am in the Stoltenburg Forum/Beem Center 200, this session covers everything from constructing houses, robots, learning to weld, tool and die project, to heating and cooling and advanced manufacturing concerns.

A job in the trades can provide the job security and income that was once only promised from a college degree. The trades provide essential services for which there will always be a need. Construction is constantly moving as we look to replace old buildings and infrastructure to ensure public safety.

If you love to tinker and work with your hands, be sure to attend this Spotlight Visit. It might be just what you’ve been looking for!

To learn more about campus visits and becoming a 51ÁÔÆæ Trojan, go to Campus Visit. See the Campus Tours Page for all the visit options.

Already made up your mind? Apply Today

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