Kirkwood Community College and IowaWORKS have formed a new partnership to improve the availability and coordination of workforce programs in the Cedar Rapids area.
As part of the new program, announced Thursday, April 9 and effective Aug. 1, a new location near Kirkwood’s campus, the former Ruffalo Noel Levitz building at 1025 Kirkwood Parkway SW, will house both the Kirkwood workforce development programs and the IowaWORKS Cedar Rapids office, serving as the American Job Center (AJC) for the surrounding area.
According to a release, the move will strengthen collaboration across teams that collectively serve employers, deliver professional education and support both current workers and future job seekers.
The existing IowaWORKS office at Lindale Mall, 4444 1st Ave NE #436 in Cedar Rapids, will cease operations July 31. At that time, all services will move to the new Kirkwood location.
Kirkwood’s acquisition of the former Ruffalo Noel Levitz building marks a major step in the college’s long-term strategy to streamline services, enhance community partnerships, and meet the evolving needs of Iowa’s workforce.
The newly-acquired facility will serve as the central hub for Kirkwood’s Adult Basic Education, Continuing Education and workforce development programs. A key feature of the expansion is the collocation with IowaWORKS, part of the statewide AJC network.
According to the release, the new alignment between Kirkwood and IowaWORKS brings career counseling, job search assistance, employer connections and training programs into one location – creating a one-stop destination for education and employment services for students and adults.
“This purchase is about more than a building,” said Kirkwood President Dr. Kristie Fisher. “It’s about expanding opportunities, simplifying access and working together to prepare students for successful futures. This is a chance to make an even greater impact than we do already, and I’m very excited about the possibilities.”
Last year, Kirkwood’s Continuing Education division served nearly 30,000 learners, ranging from school-aged children in KICK programs to adults pursuing leisure learning, workforce certifications, and advanced credentials.
The division partners with local employers to deliver custom training and supports state-mandated programs and registered apprenticeships. It also works closely with Kirkwood’s credit programs to build clear, flexible pathways for students looking to start or continue their academic and career journeys.
From Jan. 1, 2024, to Jan. 1, 2025, AJC team members in Cedar Rapids provided services to over 33,120 customers.
The new partnership also offers a unique opportunity to bring together all four core programs funded under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) for the first time. This includes:
- Title I: Adult, Dislocated Worker and Youth services
- Title II: Adult Education and Family Literacy, including High School Completion and English as a Second Language
- Title III: Wagner-Peyser Employment Services
- Title IV: Vocational Rehabilitation
Currently, Titles I, III, and IV operate out of the IowaWORKS office at Lindale Mall. Moving these programs into a shared space with Title II offerings and Kirkwood’s education services represents a major step toward seamless service delivery and program alignment.
“This innovative approach to consolidating educational and workforce services in one location is a testament to the local area’s commitment to accessibility and efficiency,” said East Central Iowa Workforce Development Board executive director Tim Carson. “With user experience and performance outcomes at the forefront of this endeavor, the East Central Iowa Workforce Development Board applauds this model of excellence and is fully supportive of this community partnership.”
“At Iowa Workforce Development, we are always looking at how we can improve access to workforce services and create stronger partnerships to create better employment outcomes for Iowans,” said Iowa Workforce Development executive director Beth Townsend. “I am excited about this collaboration with Kirkwood Community College, who has been a long-time workforce partner with us, to create a true one-stop location from which students, adults, and employers can benefit.”
This new center positions Cedar Rapids as a model for regional collaboration and innovation in workforce development, enhancing access, improving outcomes and building stronger connections between education and employment.
More information on the office’s hours, services and contact information will be released in upcoming weeks.
“I am thrilled about the new location for the American Job Center,” said Ashley Ferguson, chair of the East Central Iowa Local Workforce Development Board. “This new facility is a significant win for the Cedar Rapids workforce, providing streamlined access to vital education and employment services. I am excited to see the positive impact this new location will have on our region.”
