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North Iowa Area Community College has been recognized as a finalist for the prestigious 2010 MetLife Foundation Community College Excellence Award and will receive a $20,000 grant.

The MetLife Foundation Community College Excellence Award honors the important roles community colleges play in addressing educational, social and economic needs and opportunities. NIACC was recognized in the Service to Community category, for the comprehensive approach to job creation and retention, as well as business empowerment through the John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center (JPEC).  The JPEC directly serves new business start ups and existing businesses as well as educational programs that help to transform the region into an entrepreneurially minded culture. 

“The NIACC JPEC is central to the development of a vibrant economy within North Central Iowa.  The Center is recognized, not only on the national level, but most importantly locally, for the rich resources it provides to small businesses and in support the development of current and future entrepreneurs.  This engagement within our community becomes even more important considering the recent layoffs, downsizing and closing of companies and businesses.  The beauty of North Iowa is in its people and their commitment to living, working and raising their families here.  The JPEC assists members of our communities through its work and the commitment it has to North Iowa.  NIACC is proud to have the JPEC as a center of excellence,” Dr. Debra Derr, NIACC president, said.

Finalists in the award competition, which was administered by Jobs for the Future and sponsored by MetLife Foundation, were selected after a careful review process, involving a National Advisory Review Panel of experts and Jobs for the Future staff. Two hundred fifteen applications were received, and then narrowed down in stages to nine finalists, which then received site visits, and to three award winners.

“Innovations on community college campuses are instrumental in retraining and reenergizing the U.S. workforce,” said Marlene Seltzer, president and CEO of Jobs for the Future. “This college is a sterling example of how community colleges can provide creative solutions that specifically address the challenges of a community, while at the same time expanding opportunities for the students and workers of the future.”

Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation agreed. “The nine finalists are exceptional examples of what community colleges do well,” said White. “All community colleges can recognize something of themselves in these finalists and gain new perspectives from their examples.”

For fuller descriptions of the award winners and finalists, visit http://bit.ly/3Bay5K to download a copy of the award brochure. For additional information on the work of Job for the Future, visit www.jff.org; for MetLife Foundation, visit www.metlife.org.

The John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center is located on the North Iowa Area Community College campus in Mason City and provides college level courses and degree programs in entrepreneurship, as well as comprehensive consulting services for business start-ups, existing industries and owner transitions in the North Iowa region.   Space is available for start-up businesses in the North Iowa Business Incubator.

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