UNI Committed to Iowa's Future

UNI is committed to helping Iowa achieve the workforce it needs to ensure a vibrant economy and high quality of life. This is why the university supports Future Ready Iowa, an initiative to better align our education, workforce and economic development efforts and help more Iowans—both new high school graduates and adult learners—pursue rewarding careers.

On Nov. 13, the Cedar Valley held a Future Ready Summit that attracted over 300 people representing northeast Iowa businesses, K through 12 educators, community college representatives, and University of Northern Iowa faculty and staff. Topics discussed ranged from framing the future and the world of work in the Cedar Valley to overcoming barriers on labor force participation, homegrown workforce solutions with registered apprenticeships, how Iowa schools are offering innovative programs for their students who are our future workforce, and finally the benefits of lifelong learning to maintain a competitive workforce.

UNI continues to meet students where they are and provide pathways as well as the support services and programs they need to be successful. UNI will also continue to invite employers and industry professionals across the state and nation to serve on academic program advisory boards across campus. These leaders provide departments insight into industry trends and collaborate with faculty to ensure that courses and programs align with current and future workforce needs.

UNI is committed to working with stakeholders from across the state and nation to maintain and grow Iowa's economy and quality of life.