NIACC Recognizes Nearly 850 Graduates at Commencement
At the three North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) graduation ceremonies on Friday, May 1, nearly 850 graduates were recognized as earning approximately 1270 Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates during the 2025-2026 academic year. Several honors and awards were also presented. NIACC’S Class of 2026 represents 17 countries, 21 states, and 94 Iowa communities. (*Midyear Graduate)AkronJack […]
The Aspen Institute Names NIACC as a Semifinalist for $1 Million Aspen Prize
NIACC Named One of 25 Community Colleges Advancing in National Prize Recognizing Excellent Student OutcomesToday, the Aspen Institute (Aspen) named North Iowa Area Community College as one of 25 semifinalists for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Rooted in deep research and backed by $1 million in award money, the Aspen Prize is the […]
NIACC Celebrates Community College Month
This April, North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) joins colleges nationwide in celebrating Community College Month (#CCMonth), highlighting the essential role community and technical colleges play in powering America’s workforce and expanding economic opportunity. #CCMonth is an annual grassroots campaign to bring attention to the value and importance of community colleges led by the Association of […]
Applications Now Open for the 2026 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition
The 2026 John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition application portal is now open. The annual statewide competition will award a total of $100,000 in cash prizes to early-stage Iowa startups and entrepreneurial ventures that intend to scale operations in Iowa. The John Pappajohn Iowa Entrepreneurial Venture Competition contest is intended to encourage and promote entrepreneurial […]
North Iowa Entrepreneurs Compete in Spring 2026 Venture School Launch Day Competition
$4000 in Prizes Awarded to Local EntrepreneursThe NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the University of Iowa Venture School Launch Day competition on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The NIACC Spring 2026 Venture School cohort competed in person after attending classes virtually for 7 weeks of training, customer discovery, and developing their business model alongside local […]
NIACC Alumnus Gilman Anderson to be Honored Guest, Keynote Speaker for Upcoming Pathways to Success Program
The public is invited to attend the NIACC Alumni Association’s annual Pathways to Success event on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The event is scheduled to begin at 2:00 p.m. in the North Iowa Community Auditorium on campus.The NIACC Alumni Association hosts Pathways to Success annually to honor accomplished alumni and to recognize a select group […]
March 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month
NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Stephanie Lorenson of North Iowa Wellness Clinic as the March 2026 Entrepreneur of the MonthThe NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Stephanie Lorenson of North Iowa Wellness Clinic in Lake Mills, Iowa as the March 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month.With more […]
NIACC awarded $1 million to expand career academy opportunities
$1 million each was awarded to North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC), Northwest Iowa Community College, and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges; $776,655 awarded to Des Moines Area Community CollegeFour Iowa community colleges, including NIACC, have been awarded nearly $4 million in competitive grants through the state’s Career Academy Incentive Fund to empower more students with […]
HSE and ESL classes coming to North Iowa in March
NIACC to Offer High School Equivalency (HSE) Classes Beginning in MarchNorth Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) will offer a new session of High School Equivalency (HSE) classes beginning in March at multiple locations across North Iowa.Orientation and intake for the March session will begin March 16. Students must complete orientation and required testing prior to […]
Registration Opens for NIACC Career Center – Franklin County
For most high school students, the question isn’t if they want to build a successful future – it’s how to get started.Now, students across the region have a new answer.Registration is officially open for the NIACC Career Center – Franklin County, giving high school students the opportunity to earn college credentials while completing their high school diploma, at no […]
NIACC Launches “Let’s Light ’Em Up” Campaign to Elevate Trojan Athletics and Serve the Region
When the lights come on at NIACC, they represent more than competition, they represent pride, opportunity, and community. Today, North Iowa Area Community College officially launches the “Let’s Light ’Em Up” campaign, a strategic initiative designed to enhance athletic facilities and expand opportunities for student athletes while creating venues that will serve communities across the region.Momentum is […]
February 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month
NIACC Pappajohn Center & SBDC Recognizes Jesus Juarez of Reserve 173 Bar & Grill as the February 2026 Entrepreneur of the Month The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center and North Iowa Area SBDC are proud to announce Jesus Juarez of Reserve 173 Bar & Grill in Clear Lake, IA as the February 2026 Entrepreneur of the […]
North Iowa Students Compete at NIACC Everyday Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition
The NIACC John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center hosted the Everyday Entrepreneur Pitch Competition on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The Everyday Entrepreneur Program is sponsored in conjunction with the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), helping to provide access to entrepreneurial education and funding for students to take their businesses from an idea to a thriving […]
NIACC JPEC Hosts IDEA Camp for Middle School Students
The North Iowa Area Community College John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center held IDEA Camp for middle school students on Presidents’ Day, Monday February 16, 2026. IDEA Camp is for creative and ambitious middle school students who are eager to explore entrepreneurship, develop creative problem-solving skills, and build confidence in their ability to create and innovate. No […]
Joel Pedersen Named Phi Theta Kappa Paragon President Honoree
Joel Pedersen, President of North Iowa Area Community College, has been named a Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Paragon President Honoree. President Pedersen will be recognized during PTK Catalyst, Phi Theta Kappa’s annual international convention.The Phi Theta Kappa Paragon President recognition celebrates college leaders who demonstrate a strong and immediate connection to student success by prioritizing […]