The Community’s College – The Community’s Future

The Community’s College – The Community’s Future

The Campaign for Kirkwood Community College

To meet our community’s growing needs, the Kirkwood Foundation has launched The Community’s College — The Community’s Future campaign, with a goal of raising $15 million.

This vital campaign ensures we can continue to offer life-changing education and workforce training that empowers our students and strengthens our region.

Yes, I want to make a gift!

Funding Opportunities

Scholarships provide an opportunity for education and training and make a tremendous impact in the lives of students and their families. The scholarship program is now expanding to include diploma and certificate programs.

This fund is designed to provide support for students beyond tuition to ensure they do not lose momentum towards completing their degree, diploma, or certificate.

Financial Aid Advisor Bella Baldassano shares how this opportunity is changing students’ lives.

Healthcare technology is constantly evolving, requiring regular lab and equipment upgrades to prepare students for today’s medical industry.

Kirkwood receives limited state funding to offer community-based English Acquisition courses to help English language learners speak, read, and write in English at no-cost. Due to this limited funding, the college is unable to meet the current need, with courses filling immediately.

The Innovation Fund is designed to empower Kirkwood to launch cutting-edge programs that address evolving workforce demands, allowing the college to swiftly adapt by developing new training and skill-building initiatives.

Align your gift with your priorities — from expanding scholarships and enhancing healthcare program technology to strengthening the regional workforce pipeline.

GIVE NOW

The Community’s College

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Anne Parmley

Campaign Co-Chair
Community Impact Director, TrueNorth Companies

“Kirkwood is the community’s college — the diversity of programming offers a vast array of courses, majors, and certificates. An investment in Kirkwood is an investment in the future. Kirkwood is an incredibly agile and responsive organization that builds programs quickly in response to the community’s evolving needs. When a program is no longer in demand, they make a data-driven decision to invest elsewhere.”
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Dennis Jordan

Campaign Co-Chair
Director of Customer, Community & Economic Development, Alliant Energy

“People and organizations should support Kirkwood as there is no better way to improve a person’s opportunities in life than by giving them access to skills and training when, how and where they need it. Now, more than ever, higher education needs to align with the needs of the community and with an increased level of financial support, Kirkwood can meet those needs for today and tomorrow.”
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Lisa Shileny

Campaign Co-Chair
President & CEO, Hills Bank

“This campaign is crucial for our community because Kirkwood is a driving force for workforce development, economic growth, and educational access in our region. Kirkwood serves thousands of students providing affordable, high-quality education that prepares them for in-demand careers in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, agriculture, and more — all the roles that strengthen our local urban and rural communities. This campaign is about more than just supporting Kirkwood — it’s about securing a stronger, more vibrant future for Eastern Iowa.”

The Community’s Future

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Talia Engels

Respiratory Therapy,

Automotive Technology

"I have worked in the garage with my dad since I can remember, which has created a very strong foundation for my work ethic. While working in my father’s automotive shop, I realized my body may not allow me to have a lifetime career as a mechanic. I still love cars, both fixing and diagnosing them, so while completing my prerequisites for Respiratory Therapy online, I have decided to fill my time with the 2-semester program for Automotive Technology."

Read Talia's scholarship thank you letter.
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Jack Holton

Network and Systems Administration

"After my father’s passing in 2016, I struggled during my first year at Kirkwood and chose to work full-time at a company known as Security Coverage for five years. In 2021, I joined UnityPoint Health, where I support hospital staff with over 1,500 applications. Now, I’m returning to Kirkwood part-time to complete my A.A.S. while working full-time."

Read Jack's scholarship thank you letter.
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Harris Ndang Chi

Nursing

"Arriving in Coralville, Iowa, where I currently reside, felt surreal, having previously only seen America through media. I was warmly welcomed by my siblings and began my studies at Kirkwood. My ultimate goal is to become a surgeon, beginning with a major in Nursing at Kirkwood to gain essential medical experience. Presently, I am taking prerequisite classes in biology, chemistry, physics, and math alongside nursing courses. Additionally, I am actively involved in the Kirkwood Black Student Union, which has helped me integrate into campus life."

Yes, I want to make a gift!

Your investment strengthens Kirkwood and our community. Thank you for helping us build a better future.