NICC awarded $454,000 National Science Foundation grant to expand Competency-Based Education in advanced manufacturing
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
PEOSTA, Iowa—Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) has been awarded a $454,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to redesign four of its advanced manufacturing programs into Competency-Based Education (CBE) formats over the next three years. The funding was awarded through NSF’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program.
The project aims to transform the College’s Industrial Automation & Mechatronics, Industrial Maintenance Technician, Engineering Technology, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) programs to meet the evolving needs of both students and employers. By adopting the CBE model, students will gain the ability to learn at their own pace, progressing as they demonstrate mastery of each subject area. This structure offers greater flexibility and can accelerate time to completion—making it especially beneficial for working adults, veterans and rural learners.
“This National Science Foundation grant is truly transformational—for our students, our institution and the regional workforce,” said Dave Dahms, interim president of Northeast Iowa Community College. “By expanding Competency-Based Education in advanced manufacturing, we are creating more accessible and flexible learning pathways that meet students where they are. This initiative strengthens our ability to align education with industry needs, while opening new opportunities for rural learners, veterans and the next generation of skilled professionals across Iowa.”
Key activities supported by the grant include:
- Curriculum development for three associate’s degree programs and one diploma program using CBE methodology.
- Targeted recruitment strategies for rural and veteran populations.
- Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities to recognize students’ existing skills and experiences.
- Establishing and updating articulation agreements with four-year institutions.
- Strengthening industry partnerships to guide curriculum design and expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
The focus on rural accessibility and veteran engagement is a strategic element of the project. Many students in the NICC district area face geographic and scheduling barriers. The flexible, self-paced nature of CBE is designed to remove those hurdles and open new educational pathways.
“This grant-supported initiative further solidifies the College’s leadership in advanced manufacturing education, workforce development, and applied innovation,” said Greg Moklestad, dean of advanced manufacturing, computer science, and agriculture. “As manufacturing continues to evolve—driven by automation, precision systems and integrated technologies—our transition to Competency-Based Education equips students with the specific, job-ready skills that industry demands. This model ensures that graduates not only meet but exceed employer expectations in an increasingly complex and technology-driven labor market.”
To learn more about advanced manufacturing options at NICC, as well as labor market information and program curriculum, visit nicc.edu/advancedmanufacturing.
The Advanced Technological Education grant from the National Science Foundation program focuses on the education of technicians who work in high-tech fields that drive the nation’s economy. Because two-year community and technical colleges are the leading sources of technician education in the United States, faculty from these higher education institutions have had leadership roles in most ATE projects since the program began in 1993.