CADC Supports DMACC Computer Languages Program

At their March board meeting, Carroll Area Development Corporation Board the Directors learned of the proposed Computer Languages program that is currently being developed by Des Moines Area Community College at the Carroll Campus. DMACC Provost at the Carroll location, Joel Lundstrom, shared details of the program, how the need came about, and how his team has worked with area high schools to work in strategic partnership to develop a program that will meet the needs of the area school districts. Joel stated “It is rare to find a program that is in high-demand, may recruit new businesses to rural communities, and that has the support of schools, community, and economic development groups. 

As the program is designed for students to begin their Junior year working toward a Computer Languages program, initially there is still work to be done. The first steps, according to Lundstrom, are hiring an instructor and securing students for participation. Additionally, the board was informed of career opportunities following the completion of the Computer Languages program. In discussing the implementation of this new curriculum as early as the next school year, CADC was interested in learning what support is still needed in order to secure the program locally as well as the long term potential and economic benefit to the area.

Leadership of Carroll Area Development Corporation were in agreement that providing financial support for the program was important to the success of the program for the long term. This addition to DMACC offerings is going to bring new career opportunities to area students. These classes are preparing kids for careers well above area median wages, and is providing a talent pipeline for existing employers that are experiencing recruitment challenges. In total, CADC is contributing up to $7,500 for the program to get started to ensure that all students in the DMACC Carroll market have the same opportunity to participate. According to Director Landauer, “CADC with its financial support is potentially changing the lives of young people in Carroll with a new educational opportunity and providing new economic development possibilities to strengthen Carroll county for years to come.”

Providing strength to partnerships in the community is something of interest to the organization. CADC has shown support in the past for education projects, specifically supporting the Instructional Support Levey put to the voters in 2014. “CADC has consistently supported investments to strengthen our talent pool available to local industry and potential entrepreneurs. As workforce development and low unemployment rates continue to be a topic locally, that conversation is consistent with what is being heard across Iowa and the Midwest. The communities that are making progress and continuing to grow are those that seek strategic partnerships and work together looking at the longer term vision for the community,” stated Executive Director, Shannon Landauer.

Jim Auen, CADC President points to the efforts of Governor Reynolds with Future Ready Iowa when discussing workforce. “We see leadership in the state focus on training local talent and doing their best to emphasize local opportunities. It is critical to educate students on local employment opportunities while they are in the process of making decisions for the future. With opportunities such as DMACC’s Computer Languages program, our area youth are able to get a headstart on their education with great career potential without significant financial burden.” As the trades and technical skills are an ever increasing need in rural communities, there is further emphasis at the state level to bring the business and education sectors together for discussion of future opportunities. As Carroll Area Development Corporation works closely with businesses in the Carroll County area, there is continued effort to bring workforce and education partners and opportunities to the table to explore the best and most efficient ways to encourage growth in the Carroll County communities.