IA Educate News

37,000 Iowa Seniors to Receive Claim Your Future College Letters

The Iowa Department of Education, in partnership with Governor Kim Reynolds, announced a new 'Claim Your Future' initiative sending informational letters to over 37,000 Iowa high school seniors about in-state college options, application processes, and financial aid opportunities. The letters, developed with Iowa's Board of Regents, 15 community colleges, and 31 private nonprofit colleges, include QR codes linking students directly to application portals and financial aid forms. The initiative aims to increase postsecondary enrollment by providing actionable next steps including completing college applications, contacting school counselors, filing the FAFSA, and completing the Iowa Financial Aid Application.

Over $300,000 Awarded to Iowa Schools for Summer Career-Connected Learning

The Iowa Governor's STEM Advisory Council at the Iowa Department of Education has awarded 17 STEM BEST Program model schools a total of over $300,000 to expand career-connected learning opportunities for students during summer 2025. Individual schools can receive up to $20,000 each for programs including AI training, drone certifications, skilled trades internships, and agricultural work-based learning experiences.

State Board of Education to Meet Thursday April 16

The Iowa Department of Education announces the State Board of Education will hold its regular meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. at the Grimes State Office Building in Des Moines. The public may attend in person or remotely via video conferencing or telephone.

Gov. Reynolds Awards $4M to Iowa Community Colleges for Career Academies

The Iowa Department of Education, led by Gov. Kim Reynolds, has awarded nearly $4 million in Career Academy Incentive Fund grants to four Iowa community colleges. Northwest Iowa Community College, North Iowa Area Community College, and Eastern Iowa Community Colleges each received $1 million grants, while Des Moines Area Community College received $776,655. The funds will establish new regional centers and expand career academies in fields including healthcare, agriculture, information technology, and skilled trades.

Iowa Class 2025 Graduation Rate 88.8%, Highest in Five Years

Iowa Department of Education releases Class of 2025 graduation rate data showing 88.8% (35,116 students), up 0.5 percentage points from 2024 and exceeding prepandemic levels. Dropout rate declined to 2.30% for the 2024-25 school year. Significant gains reported for students with disabilities (+1.6pp), low-income backgrounds (+1.0pp), and students experiencing homelessness (+4.9pp).