Des Moines Area Community College

Des Moines Area Community College is a public community college located in Des Moines, Iowa, United States, and is part of the Iowa Department of Education. The college was established in 1966 and has since become one of the largest community colleges in the state, with partnerships with institutions such as Iowa State University, University of Northern Iowa, and Drake University. The college offers a range of programs, including associate's degrees and certificates, and has articulation agreements with schools like Grand View University and Upper Iowa University. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the American Association of Community Colleges.

● History

The history of the college dates back to 1966, when it was established by the Iowa General Assembly to provide affordable and accessible higher education to the residents of Polk County, Iowa, Dallas County, Iowa, and surrounding areas. The college has since grown to become one of the largest community colleges in the state, with a diverse student body and a range of academic programs, including those in health sciences at Mercy College of Health Sciences and technology at Des Moines University. The college has also established partnerships with local businesses and organizations, such as Principal Financial Group and Wells Fargo, to provide students with internship and job training opportunities. The college has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability and has received awards from organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

● Campuses

The college has several campuses located throughout Central Iowa, including the Ankeny Campus, Boone Campus, Carroll Campus, Newton Campus, Urban Campus, and West Campus. Each campus offers a range of academic programs and services, including library and tutoring services, and has partnerships with local organizations such as the Ankeny Community School District and the Des Moines Public Library. The college also has a presence in Webster City, Iowa, and offers online courses and distance learning options through Iowa Community College Online and Western Governors University. The college's campuses are located near major highways and interstates, such as Interstate 35 and Interstate 80, making it easily accessible to students from throughout the region.

● Academics

The college offers a range of academic programs, including associate's degrees, certificates, and diplomas, in fields such as business at Drake University College of Business and Public Administration, health sciences at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and technology at Iowa State University College of Engineering. The college also offers transfer degrees, which allow students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities such as University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa. The college has articulation agreements with several four-year colleges and universities, including Grand View University and Upper Iowa University, and offers online courses and distance learning options through Iowa Community College Online and Western Governors University. The college is also a member of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships and offers concurrent enrollment options for high school students.

● Student Life

The college offers a range of student life activities and services, including student clubs and organizations, such as the Student Senate and the Phi Theta Kappa honor society, and intramural sports and recreational activities through the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association. The college also offers counseling and advising services, as well as tutoring and academic support services, and has partnerships with local organizations such as the United Way of Central Iowa and the Des Moines Social Club. The college hosts several events throughout the year, including career fairs and job training workshops, and offers scholarships and financial aid options to students, including the Iowa Tuition Grant and the Federal Pell Grant.

● Athletics

The college's athletic teams, the Bears, compete in the National Junior College Athletic Association and offer sports such as basketball, soccer, and volleyball, with home games played at the Buccaneer Arena and the Principal Park. The college also offers intramural sports and recreational activities through the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association, and has partnerships with local sports organizations such as the Des Moines Buccaneers and the Iowa Cubs. The college's athletic programs have produced several notable athletes, including players who have gone on to compete at the NCAA level at schools such as University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and University of Northern Iowa, and have been recognized for their commitment to sportsmanship and community service by organizations such as the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the American Red Cross.