About

About us

Everyone has purpose and value.

Our program leads people on all walks of life through self-exploration to find (or rediscover) their purpose, which can lead to a fulfilling, stable career.

Whether you have a PhD or a high school diploma, our program has the power to change your life!

Since 2011, our programs have opened doors to discover self-worth, a career that offers a livable wage, and stability for individuals and/or their families.

HISTORY

The need for Project IOWA started from a series of community meetings started by AMOS (A Mid-Iowa Organizing Strategy) in 2008 to learn more about what barriers and challenges individuals faced in trying to realize the American dream in Central Iowa. The overwhelming response at these meetings was that people struggled with finding a livable wage job that enabled them to take care of their families. Yet despite this obvious need for better employment, many central Iowa businesses were facing a shortage of skilled workers to fill many positions.

Project IOWA was established in 2011 to address the skilled workforce gap that was negatively affecting both individuals and businesses in Central Iowa. The initial founding board consisted of a number of notable community leaders, including: the late David Hurd (Former CEO of Principal), Pastor Marlon Perkins, Reverend Mark Stringer, Rob Denson, Bill Cotton, Ray Lewis, Pastor Benjamin Bell, Jr., Danelda Allen, and Jan Flora. The founding board was tasked with identifying potential business partners, finding donors, and deciding what kind of training would be the best fit for the needs of the community. Initially, two training programs were started one in Manufacturing and the other in Health Science. A number of local business partners signed up to work with Project IOWA, including: John Deere, Ziegler Cat, IBEW, Kevin Krause – PHCC, Health Systems, Karl Chevrolet, Accumold, Vermeer, Mercy and Burke.

Project IOWA has continued to build partnerships with local businesses and add and adapt its training program to the needs of the community.

Meet the Staff

Facilitators

Board Members