Northeast Iowa Community College received nearly $2 million in grant funding that will be spread out over 5 years to maintain the college’s technology infrastructure and web-based information services. This $2 million grant was awarded through the Office of Postsecondary Education’s Title III Strengthening Institutions program. NICC will receive approximately $400,000 annually over 5 years and plans to use the money to improve information security, efficiency of business processes, access to information and reporting capability, and expand wireless access throughout its campus.
This federal funding will go a long way in helping Northeast Iowa Community College update its technology that issued to teach students, train faculty and staff, and stay current with any technological advances. This $2 million grant could not have come at a better time for NICC as well. Currently 26% of all NICC students are enrolled in at least one online class or are in one of twelve programs offered completely online. With so many students earning their degrees on the internet it is vitally important that NICC stays ahead of the technological curve in order to best serve their student body.
With more and more high school students and adults going to college to receive their degrees in order to get ahead in the workplace, colleges like Northeast Iowa Community College are seeing significant increases in their student body. With the increase in the number of students the demand on the school’s technological infrastructure is also increasing. Grants such as the one awarded to NICC will ensure that students are given the best opportunity to earn a degree that will help them find a better job down the road. Also, with NICC offering so many courses online Northeast Iowa Community College is a great alternative for the working student who can not afford to go to college full time. For some students being able to take classes when their schedule permits is a huge benefit when it comes to enrolling at NICC. This government grant will make sure that NICC does not lose out on prospective students due to a lack of technology when it comes to online courses.
