Education

Iowa has a strong education system. ACT and SAT scores are above average and the graduation rate is 96 percent. Western Iowans rightfully take pride in the high quality of their school systems and their students.

The seven county Western Iowa Advantage region is home to a number of excellent school districts that are individually partnering with neighboring districts and local community colleges to provide the best opportunities for their students. One of the most important ways Western Iowa Advantage is working with our educational institutions in the region is communicating the number of high quality jobs that are available right here in the students’ backyards. Jobs with great benefits and long term growth opportunities in a variety of industries. Connecting businesses and education is on our monthly to-do list to help school administrators better understand the opportunities that exist for students in our region.

(Source: The American College Testing Program, 2014, The College Board, 2014)

Higher Education

The three excellent and affordable community colleges in the Western Iowa region offer associates degrees, certificates and many other industry-specific training programs to meet businesses’ staffing and training needs.