The Grinnell Campus of Marshalltown Community College extends educational opportunities to the eastern part of the district, focusing on accessible programs tailored to local needs. This smaller site emphasizes career-oriented certificates and associate degrees, with a strong emphasis on transfer credits and community partnerships. Courses are delivered in flexible formats, including evenings and online, to serve working professionals and rural residents.
Core offerings align with MCC's main campus but are customized for regional demands, particularly in agriculture and business, given Grinnell's proximity to farming communities and small businesses.
The campus also hosts non-credit workshops on leadership, financial literacy, and computer basics for community members. With a focus on affordability—no out-of-district tuition surcharges—and student support services like advising and tutoring, the Grinnell site serves around 500 students yearly. Faculty bring industry experience, ensuring relevant, up-to-date instruction. Community events, such as career fairs and ag tech seminars, enhance engagement. This campus plays a vital role in workforce development, bridging education with local economic needs in Poweshiek County and beyond, promoting equity and opportunity for all learners.
Marshalltown Community College (MCC) provides a comprehensive array of programs designed to meet the educational needs of diverse students in central Iowa. The main courses taught at this campus focus on associate degrees, certificates, and transfer opportunities to four-year institutions. With a commitment to affordable, high-quality education, MCC emphasizes hands-on learning and career preparation across various fields.
In the area of liberal arts and sciences, students can pursue an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree, which includes foundational courses in English composition, mathematics, history, psychology, biology, chemistry, and foreign languages. These programs are ideal for students planning to transfer to universities for bachelor's degrees, ensuring seamless credit articulation with Iowa's state universities.
Additionally, MCC offers continuing education and workforce development classes in areas like entrepreneurship, leadership, and ESL for non-native speakers. The campus supports online and hybrid formats to accommodate working adults. With small class sizes and dedicated faculty, students receive personalized attention. Extracurriculars include STEM clubs, honors programs, and career services for job placement. Overall, MCC's curriculum fosters critical thinking, technical proficiency, and community engagement, empowering over 2,000 students annually to achieve their goals. This diverse offering ensures accessibility for traditional students, adults returning to education, and high school dual-enrollees, promoting lifelong learning in a supportive environment.
The Nevada Campus, part of Marshalltown Community College, serves Story County by offering targeted programs that address regional workforce shortages. This site specializes in vocational and technical education, with a curriculum geared toward quick entry into high-demand jobs. Classes are held in modern facilities equipped for practical training, and the campus fosters close ties with local industries like manufacturing and healthcare.
Programs are concise, often certificate-based, but include pathways to full associate degrees, with options for online supplementation from the main campus.
Workforce development includes customized training for employers, such as safety compliance and team-building seminars. The campus supports dual enrollment for high school students and adult learners through GED prep and ESL. With enrollment around 300, the intimate setting allows for mentorship and high success rates in job placement—over 90% within six months. Career counseling, financial aid assistance, and veteran services are available on-site. By aligning courses with local employers like Vermeer Corporation and local hospitals, the Nevada Campus drives economic vitality, equipping residents with skills for sustainable careers in a changing job market.
