💰 Investing in Ottumwa’s Next Generation

Why it matters: When young people can’t see a path forward close to home, too many feel forced to leave. This project creates new opportunities for students to connect directly with local employers, explore high-demand careers, and gain the skills needed to succeed in southeast Iowa’s growing economy — all just steps from their high school. 

The big picture: This investment builds on our broader community-driven work to strengthen Iowa’s workforce pipeline and create more opportunities for the next generation. Earlier this month, we delivered $2 million for DMACC’s new workforce training center, and we’re leading the bipartisan PARTNERS Act to expand apprenticeship partnerships between schools, workforce providers, and small businesses across Iowa. 

Bottom Line: The best ideas start right here in Iowa — not in Washington. I’ll keep fighting to deliver the workforce investments that connect Iowa students with the careers our communities need them to fill.