Iowa Pathway Partners

This grant is a collaboration between three primary partners, several health care employers and community stakeholders who are working to increase the diversity of the health care workforce in Iowa.

Primary Partners

Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) administers programs that serve individuals from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and experiences across Iowa. With 55 offices across the state to assist you on your career path, whether you are seeking immediate employment, career development or advancement, we have the tools to help you reach your career goals. The New Iowans Centers within IWD are serving as the gateway for initial applications for prospective students.

Iowa Bureau of Refugee Services (IBRS) has been working with the U.S. Department of State to assist refugees from other countries escape persecution and resettle in the United States since 1975. Through a wide array of services, they are able to help refugees and communities adapt to the challenges they are facing.

IBRS will provide the necessary initial screenings to ensure that prospective students are sufficiently skilled in English and prepared for the rigors of higher education in order to be successful. In addition, the Bureau will provide significant support services outside of the classroom to help admitted students to manage their outside commitments in order to maintain their academic success.

Mercy College of Health Sciences (MCHS) is the only Catholic college in central Iowa and is focused on the preparation of students for careers in the health sciences. It is the largest health science college in Iowa.

MCHS will provide academic coursework in seven health care career fields at a pace and format geared specifically for students with limited English proficiency (LEP) in order to anticipate the challenges that LEP face in absorbing this content. In addition, the College will provide native English speaking peer tutors who will work with students throughout the curriculum to enhance the absorption of the academic content.

Health Care Employers

Arbor Springs, West Des Moines, Iowa
Bishop Drumm Retirement Center, Johnston, Iowa
Buena Vista Regional Medical, Storm Lake, Iowa
Dallas County Hospital, Perry, Iowa
Marshalltown Medical & Surgical Center, Marshalltown, Iowa
Mercy Health Network, Des Moines, Iowa
Mercy Health Network – Central Iowa, Des Moines, Iowa

Community Stakeholders