Kicking off our brand-new Partner Link-Up Blog Series is Michelle Schott, the Integrated Education and Training Coordinator at our partner agency: Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC). We spoke with Michelle to learn more about how our partnership supports the local community and opens new workforce opportunities for adult learners and dislocated workers in the Des Moines area.
Question: Can you please introduce us to DMACC?
Answer: At DMACC, I work within the Adult Education and Literacy Department where our focus is on providing services to adult learners—particularly English language learners or those working toward their high school equivalency—gain the skills they need to enter the workforce. Through integrated education and training, we provide opportunities for individuals to strengthen their academic foundations while pursuing certifications and developing skills to succeed in the workforce.
Question: How did the partnership between DMACC and National Able Network begin?
Answer: National Able Network and DMACC both receive funding through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), so we’re core partners in the local area workforce system. Once National Able Network became the Title I provider, we worked together to improve co-enrollment practices and build seamless support between our organizations. That close working relationship has really made it easy to refer participants and ensure everyone gets the services they need.
Question: Can you share a meaningful outcome from this collaboration?
Answer: There was a regional layoff last summer that impacted approximately 1,300 people. A majority of these dislocated workers were also English-language learners, which added a unique challenge. However, we quickly realized that a number of these folks were interested in earning their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), so together we launched a “CDL Jumpstart” program which offered English-language instruction focused on trucking-specific terminology while simultaneously allowing these students to pursue the CDL certification program. We had a completion rate of approximately 85 percent.
Question: In your opinion, what makes this partnership so effective?
Answer: Strong staff relationships! It takes effort and time to understand each other’s programs and how we can contribute together. Partnerships don’t happen overnight! National Able Network is really willing to try new things and go outside the box, we really appreciate that as a partner. We’re mutually committed to the community. Even when we don’t know what tomorrow holds, we’re all in. I feel like everyone is very passionate about reaching that untapped potential within the community to see how we can get people to thrive. It’s one of the most meaningful aspects of this partnership.
Question: What’s one thing you’d like to mention that we haven’t already talked about?
Answer: We really value the business engagement support at National Able Network. The team already has strong employer relationships and knows who’s hiring and what skills they’re looking for. That connection helps our students access real opportunities. It’s very valuable.
If you, or someone you know, is interested in connecting with DMACC visit the Integrated Education & Training Jumpstart Program page HERE
