51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) is making it easier for adults in the Garner area to earn their high school diploma. Beginning Wednesday, October 29, 51ÁÔÆæ will offer High School Equivalency (HSE) classes at the Garner Education Center.

Classes will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. and are open to adults age 17 and older who did not complete high school.

Students will build skills in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies while preparing to take the HiSET exam, a nationally recognized high school equivalency test. After completing all sections, graduates are invited to celebrate their achievement at 51ÁÔÆæ’s Education to Employment Graduation Ceremony, held each January and June.

For more information or to register, contact 51ÁÔÆæ’s Adult Education and Literacy program at 641-422-4278 or visit niacc.edu/adult-literacy/high-school-equivalency-diploma-hsed

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.

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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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The Board of Directors of 51ÁÔÆæ (51ÁÔÆæ) proudly announces that 51ÁÔÆæ has successfully earned reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This achievement reaffirms the college’s commitment to academic excellence, continuous improvement, and its significant role in higher education within the community and beyond.

Following a rigorous evaluation process, which included a comprehensive self-study report and an extensive site visit by a team of HLC peer reviewers, 51ÁÔÆæ has met all criteria for accreditation with distinction. “The reaccreditation is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and administration to providing high-quality education and student support services,” said Dr. Steve Schulz, 51ÁÔÆæ President.

“This milestone is more than a mark of excellence; it’s a reflection of the hard work and dedication of every member of the 51ÁÔÆæ community,” said Cathy Rottinghaus, Board President. “Reaccreditation assures our students, parents, and the communities we serve that 51ÁÔÆæ adheres to the highest standards of educational quality and institutional effectiveness.”

The HLC reaccreditation covers all aspects of 51ÁÔÆæ’s operation, including its academic offerings, governance and administration, mission, finances, and resources. It also ensures that 51ÁÔÆæ can continue to offer federal financial aid to students and facilitates the transfer of credits to other institutions.

“Looking ahead, 51ÁÔÆæ is committed to building on this success by continuing to enhance its academic programs, student services, and community engagement efforts,” said Schulz. “The college remains dedicated to its mission of enriching lives through comprehensive, accessible, quality education and training in a supportive community.”

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An apprentice is defined as a person who is learning a job or trade from a skilled employer.  Becoming an apprentice is a great way to get on a career pathway that will help fast-track professional goals, avoid massive debt, and earn a competitive wage.

Apprenticeship is an industry-driven, high-quality form of learning.  While getting hands-on experience on the job, apprentices spend at least 20% of their working hours completing classroom-based learning with a college or training provider.

All their time – including classroom hours – are paid.

While apprenticeships are ideal for those wanting to earn while they learn, they are highly beneficial to employers as well.  Apprenticeships are valuable to employers because they can tailor their program to meet their current needs.  As they develop and prepare the future workforce, they can customize instruction to ensure the apprentice learns exactly what they need to perform the job.

A few key benefits highlighted for employers are:

• To recruit and develop diverse and highly skilled workers
• To improve productivity and profitability
• They create flexible training options to ensure workers develop the right skills
• Reduce turnover, improve loyalty, and retain top talent
• It demonstrates an investment in the community

Employers also have the option to register their program with the U.S. Department of Labor to show prospective job seekers their apprenticeship program meets national quality standards.  The state of Iowa has grants available for businesses interested in starting this type of program.

On November 16^th, the 51ÁÔÆæ Business and Workforce Solutions (Formerly known as Continuing Education), held an Apprenticeship Breakfast in conjunction with the .  The purpose of the event was to connect local employers from around the region and learn about how apprenticeships can best build their workforce pipeline.

Mayor Bill Schickel proclaimed November 14^th through the 20^th officially “National Apprenticeship Week” in Mason City.  He recognized the efforts of and their push to grow the apprenticeship program to secure upcoming workforce for the future.

Patti Hanson, 51ÁÔÆæ Dean of Continuing Education stated, “While we are thrilled to recognize National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate apprenticeships all year long.”  51ÁÔÆæ currently offers apprentice programs for welding, carpentry, industrial maintenance and phlebotomy.

While apprenticeship programs go all the way back to the Middle Ages, they have only been registered within the state of Iowa for the past 85 years.  Kyle Whitaker, an Apprenticeship & Training Representative for the state of Iowa, gave a rundown of the numbers for apprentice programs.  In Iowa, there are currently:

*890 Registered Apprenticeship Programs (33 of which are served by 51ÁÔÆæ)

*1988 Employers providing positions

*204 High School students as registered apprentices

*9730 active registered apprentices within the state of Iowa

“This program gives folks the opportunity to have their education path lumped together with work-based learning,” Kyle stated.  “It is a great avenue for someone looking to get right into it and start their career.”

Typically, apprentice programs are designed in trade-related fields, but across the state of Iowa, there are several available for teachers, information technology, healthcare, barbers & cosmetology, retail and agriculture.  Some programs are completed within a year, while others can take as long as 4-5 years.

51ÁÔÆæ works closely with local companies to ensure the students have the courses they need and are getting the proper allotment of time for work experience, classes and study time.  Looking at the workforce, local meat processing plant, Smithfield, knew their pool of candidates for upcoming job openings would not fill their demands.  They utilized the apprenticeship program at 51ÁÔÆæ in order to “grow their own employees” tailored to their specific needs.

Apprenticeship is not a hand-out.  Yes, the company will pay for time worked and the cost of classes, but the dedication to the program falls heavily on the students’ shoulders.  It’s a big commitment, but one that is worth it in the end.

For companies looking to establish or grow their own apprenticeship programs, contact Melinda McGregor, 51ÁÔÆæ Director of Emerging Workforce Solutions at Melinda.mcGregor@niacc.edu.

Collaboration is key for North Iowa to survive the workforce shortage.  Communication between high schools, businesses, 51ÁÔÆæ and the entire community is what will ultimately pull our region together to ensure we stay a thriving economic force.

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Have you considered becoming a season ticket holder for the 51ÁÔÆæ Performing Arts and Leadership Series?  If so, Tuesday is your night.

The public is invited as 51ÁÔÆæ announces the 2022-2023  season on Tuesday, June 28th at 7 p.m.   The event will be held in the North Iowa Community Auditorium on the 51ÁÔÆæ campus.

The 51ÁÔÆæ Performing Arts & Leadership Series offers award winning shows, musical artists, comedy, and internationally acclaimed speakers.  There will be 16 events included in this year’s series.

You’ll be among the first to hear the lineup.  After the announcement you’ll have the opportunity to save an additional percentage on top of the already deep discount you get for being a season ticket holder.

There are several plans available which will be explained during the preview event on Tuesday.  You’ll be under no obligation to purchase.

“I think it’s an incredibly strong season,” Said Lindsay Dalrymple, Executive Director, 51ÁÔÆæ Performing Arts & Leadership Series, “There’s something for everyone. That’s always the goal – we try to check as many boxes for North Iowans as we can and I feel like we nailed it.”

If you are a current season ticket holder you have the option to renew your tickets.  If you’re thinking about becoming a new season ticket holder you’ll have first dibs on the remaining season tickets by coming to the event.

You get to pick and choose which performances interest you and the shows and presentations you are available to attend.

Questions or comments?  Email Arian Schuessler, arian.schuessler@51ÁÔÆæ.edu

Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

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.  

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Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of North Central Iowa celebrated 289 volunteers who served a grand total 7,085 hours for the 2021 – 2022 volunteer year during a luncheon and ceremony at 51ÁÔÆæ last Thursday.

The focus of RSVP of North Central Iowa is childhood literacy.   The three primary volunteer programs are the Reading Buddy Program, the Reading Coach Program and the Pen Pal Program.  Additional volunteer opportunities were fulfilled through the following organizations or activities: Cerro Gordo County Public Health, Hawkeye Harvest Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Cerro Gordo County Emergency Management, Words of Thanks in partnership with KCMR radio station and the BASES fitness class.

The ceremony featured messages from both Alison Mason, RSVP Director, and Patti Hanson, Dean of Continuing Education, followed by a video thank you message from area school teachers, administrators and students for which RSVP volunteers left a positive impact.

51ÁÔÆæ sponsors RSVP of North Central Iowa, which is part of a national network of programs called AmeriCorps Seniors. Learn how you can get involved!

RSVP of North Iowa Bronze volunteer award recipients present for the ceremony. 

During the ceremony, 27 volunteers were recognized to receive service awards based upon their number of volunteer hours.

Bronze Award recipients, who completed 100 – 249 hours were:

• Linda Bottorff
• Jeanne Burgart
• David Curtis
• Elaine Fratzke
• Connie Graber
• Kathy Hanson
• Gayle Heimer
• Robin Koob
• Adriane McKinley
• Marilyn Moore
• Harlan Rodberg
• Phyllis Rush
• Pam Stemmerman
• Karolyn Hornung

Silver Award recipients, who completed 250 – 499 hours were:

Silver volunteer recipients present to receive their award.

• Nickie Baker
• Star Barnes
• Don Gettner
• Sue Hoeft
• Nancy Huber
• Kathy Johnson
• Larry Kollman
• Joyce Nuehring
• Vicki Robertson
• Alan Steckman

Bronze & Silver recipient was Linda Schulter.

Gold RSVP recipient who was present to receive her award.

Gold recipients, who completed 500+ hours were:

• Annette Bruns
• Gwen Suntken

Are you interested in attending 51ÁÔÆæ?  Apply Today!

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.

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