Northeast Iowa Community College Manchester Center celebrates 10 years of serving Delaware County
Thursday, August 12, 2021
Over the last ten years, 2,273 concurrent course students have enrolled in 9,232 courses and a total of 26,317 credits. Concurrent enrollment agreements between Edgewood-Colesburg, Maquoketa Valley and West Delaware high schools and NICC provides students with opportunities to earn college credit.
MANCHESTER, Iowa—The Northeast Iowa Community College Manchester Center will celebrate its 10th anniversary this September.
The Good to Great Committee brought the Manchester Center back in September 2011, in what was originally a collaboration between the City of Manchester, NICC and Upper Iowa University. The center focuses on making quality education accessible for the city of Manchester and surrounding area, helping students achieve their educational goals and working with local businesses to retain and grow their workforce.
Tim Vick, Manchester’s city manager and Good to Great Committee member, believes that the center’s presence has enhanced the entire community.
“The City of Manchester is thrilled with our partnership and experience working with Northeast Iowa Community College. NICC is committed to providing the best service possible to their students and the community. Over the past 10 years, the College has continued to evolve their delivery models, methods and courses to meet the needs of our businesses and students. Congratulations on reaching such an important milestone,” Vick stated.
Deb Worm served as the Manchester Center director for the first five years, and Holly Rahe has served as director for the past five. The facility changes with school and community needs. The center originally housed a Project Lead the Way lab and, in 2018, that space was converted to a health lab.
“Ten years is a huge milestone for our center. We are very thankful and fortunate for such a supportive community that we have the privilege to serve every day,” said Rahe. “Without this support we would not be able to truly have an impact on the community and Delaware County.”
Long-term data showing usage of center services by the community and local students demonstrate that impact.
Over the last ten years, 2,273 concurrent course students have enrolled in 9,232 courses and a total of 26,317 credits. Concurrent enrollment agreements between Edgewood-Colesburg, Maquoketa Valley and West Delaware high schools and NICC provides students with opportunities to earn college credits each year.
Completing credits through NICC generates significant cost savings for high school students and their families, compared to traditional enrollment at four-year colleges and universities. Since 2011, high school students in the county have saved more than $4,126,877.
Many community members also register for Business and Community Solutions continuing education classes and training for professional development and personal enrichment. More than 16,500 residents have registered for these class offerings.
Rahe is eager to celebrate the 10-year milestone with everyone next month.
“We are inviting the community to visit our center on Wednesdays in September between 1 p.m. -3 p.m. The community can tour the center, pick up some flare items and enjoy a root beer float on us! We will also have contests on our Manchester Center Facebook Group on Wednesdays in September as well,” Rahe said.
More information about the Manchester Center is available at www.nicc.edu/manchester.