An Iowa community college has become the first in the nation to earn federal approval for the Workforce Pell Grant program, allowing students in its emergency medical technician program to receive federal dollars for their education.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, joined by U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and Acting Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling, visited Iowa Central Community College Tuesday to sign documentation providing federal approval for students in the college’s EMT program to apply for Workforce Pell Grant funds through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.
“Our purpose at Iowa Central is simple: to help students earn a degree of credential as quickly as possible with as little debt as possible, so they can build a better life. That is exactly why today’s announcement matters,” Iowa Central Community College President Jesse Ulrich said. “Workforce Pell removes barriers for students who are ready to enter careers that are essential to our communities, while helping employers meet one of their greatest needs-a highly skilled workforce.”
