Today’s workers need college-level learning to develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed in our global economy. Kirkwood Community College is a great place to start, whether building a foundation for a bachelor’s degree, exploring a new career, learning a new trade or upgrading skills. Kirkwood strives to provide accessible, high quality learning experiences that serve our region in a variety of ways.

Iowa Workforce Development states that Iowa’s future job growth will be in jobs requiring “middle-skill” workers—those with more than a high school diploma but less than a four-year degree. Clearly, increased attainment of college degrees and credentials will be a key to job growth in our region. Fewer jobs will be available to those who lack postsecondary education.

But for many individuals, achieving a higher education becomes more challenging every day. The opportunity to pursue a college degree is limited by financial pressures that are made greater by rising tuition costs and decreasing state and federal support. Even the affordable costs of attending Kirkwood may be out of reach for many students unless they take on an overwhelming amount of debt.

The Kirkwood Foundation helps students achieve success in education by offering financial assistance through scholarships, by supporting instructional excellence and innovation and by providing other targeted assistance as needed. The Foundation’s Real World Success campaign aims to raise $12.5 million to increase access to the college and enhance success for learners already enrolled. Reaching our goal will allow us to secure and increase the financial assistance available from the Kirkwood Foundation for the next five years.

Since Kirkwood was founded in 1966, the education and training offered here has transformed thousands of lives, one student at a time. The real world success of Kirkwood graduates has taken them everywhere; but more importantly, their success fuels the economic development of this region. It’s important to understand that most of those graduates are right here, making up our workforce and our communities. Their dreams shape our future.

A bright tomorrow for eastern Iowa depends on the success of Kirkwood’s learners today. Please make an investment in our future by supporting Real World Success.

 

Mick Starcevich, President

Kathy L. Hall, CFRE, Vice President, Resource Development

John C. Bloomhall, Campaign Co-Chair

Stephen West, Campaign Co-Chair