BVU, Carlisle Community School District Connect Through Strategic Partnership
Through a collaboration with Buena Vista University, Carlisle Community School District offers educational benefits to its employees and their eligible family members.
Buena Vista University (BVU) and Carlisle Community School District have aligned as Strategic Partners, providing new opportunities to transform the communities both entities serve.
This partnership allows for employees of Carlisle Community School District, as well as eligible family members of full-time employees, receive grant funding to lower the overall cost per credit hour while enrolled in BVU’s convenient online undergraduate programs or the organizational leadership graduate program. Partner grant funding also lowers the cost of education for students enrolled in classes at BVU’s Storm Lake campus.
“We are very enthusiastic about the Strategic Partnership with Buena Vista University. This collaboration directly supports our commitment to lifelong learning and professional growth by providing our employees with accessible, affordable opportunities to advance their education. By lowering overall tuition costs, the partnership helps remove financial barriers for staff pursuing degrees or additional certifications,” says Carlisle Human Resource Manger Alicia Clark. “In turn, this partnership benefits not only our employees and their families but also enhances the quality of education we provide to our students and strengthens the Carlisle community as a whole.”
The Carlisle Community School District serves approximately 2,250 students across four buildings. Carlisle Elementary, located in Carlisle, Iowa, houses students in preschool through 3rd grade, while Hartford Upper Elementary, located in Hartford, Iowa, serves students in 4th and 5th grade. Carlisle Middle School, also in Carlisle, educates students in grades 6–8, and Carlisle High School, located in Carlisle as well, serves students in grades 9–12. The district is supported by a dedicated team of 176 certified staff members and 178 non-certified staff, all working together to provide a strong educational experience for the community.
“Carlisle CSD serves a growing and vibrant community just southeast of Des Moines. We are known for our strong sense of community pride, supportive families, and commitment to excellence in both academics and activities,” says Clark. “Our district offers the advantages of a small-town atmosphere while providing big opportunities for students and staff alike. We are proud of our dedicated educators, innovative programs, and focus on building a culture where every learner- both student and staff-is valued, supported, and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
“BVU is where it all began for me. I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Corporate Communication while playing four years of basketball. During my time at BVU, I built lifelong connections with professors who encouraged and guided me to pursue an advanced degree. Through their support, I discovered my passion for education,” says BVU alum and Carlisle High School Principal Andrea Hoekstra. “BVU offers a high-quality, personalized education that truly empowers students to find their path. I’m proud to be a BVU graduate and even prouder of where that journey has led me.”
“We are thrilled to have this partnership with the Carlisle Community School District, providing educational opportunities for employees and their eligible family members through our Strategic Partnerships initiative,” says BVU Director of Strategic Partnerships Laura Todd. “Supporting education is fundamental to strengthening our communities, and we’re committed to working together to drive meaningful, long-term impact where it matters most.”
For more information about BVU’s Strategic Partnerships and partner opportunities, please visit the BVU website at bvu.edu/strategic-partnerships or contact Strategic Partnerships at StrategicPartnerships@bvu.edu.