Council Bluffs, Iowa – Iowa Western Community College has been awarded federal grant funding through the Title III Strengthening Institutions Program (SIP) to support the first year of a five-year, $1.9 million institutional improvement initiative known as PROPEL (Promoting Retention, Online Performance, Engagement, and Learning).
The competitive federal grant will provide resources to enhance student success, strengthen academic support services, improve online learning experiences, and expand the college’s capacity to meet the evolving needs of students. The project aligns with the college’s ongoing commitment to increasing student retention, academic achievement, and degree completion.
“We are honored to receive this federal investment in our students and our future,” said Dr. Dan Kinney, president of Iowa Western Community College. “This award recognizes Iowa Western’s commitment to student success and will help strengthen the programs and services that support students from enrollment through graduation. The PROPEL initiative will position the college to better serve our students while preparing them for success in today’s workforce and beyond.”
Over the next five years, the PROPEL project will focus on enhancing student support systems, strengthening teaching and learning, improving online education, and leveraging technology and data-informed decision making to improve student outcomes across the institution.
The Title III SIP is designed to help eligible colleges and universities improve their capacity to serve students and strengthen institutional effectiveness. Through this grant, Iowa Western will continue to build on its mission of providing accessible, high-quality educational opportunities that transform lives and strengthen communities throughout southwest Iowa and the region.
