BVU, Fort Dodge Schools Unify Through Strategic Partnership
Through a Strategic Partnership with Buena Vista University, the Fort Dodge Community School District now offers educational benefits to approximately 600 employees and their family members.
Buena Vista University (BVU) and the Fort Dodge Community School District (FDCSD) have entered a Strategic Partnership that aims to bolster opportunities for the employees and families of FDCSD as well as the communities both entities serve.
This partnership expands opportunities for employees of FDCSD, and eligible family members of full-time employees, to receive grant funding to lower the overall cost of education while enrolled in classes at BVU’s Storm Lake campus. Partner grant funding also lowers the cost per credit hour for students enrolled in BVU’s convenient online/hybrid undergraduate programs or the organizational leadership graduate program.
BVU professors and staff are also available for training programs, workshops, and more should officials with FDCSD seek those services and expertise.
“With BVU’s Storm Lake campus being near our community as well as having a BVU presence in Fort Dodge through ICCC, this partnership provides a great opportunity all around."
Dr. Derrick Joel, Superintendent
“A partnership with Buena Vista University represents a great opportunity for our employees, their family members, and our community,” says Superintendent Dr. Derrick Joel. “Being able to provide our employees a savings on education is a win-win opportunity.”
Approximately 600 employees of FDCSD serve some 3,400 students throughout seven schools, including one early learning center, four elementary schools, one middle school, and Fort Dodge High School. The FDCSD serves the communities of Fort Dodge, Badger, Coalville, and Otho, as well as surrounding rural areas.
BVU has long enjoyed strong educational ties in and around Fort Dodge, home to Iowa Central Community College, a campus that has collaborated with BVU for decades. Students enrolled in a program through ICCC can seamlessly transfer their credits toward their bachelor’s degree at BVU. Students receive personal support including admissions and enrollment counseling and academic advising right in Fort Dodge through BVU’s office on the ICCC campus.
“With BVU’s Storm Lake campus being near our community as well as having a BVU presence in Fort Dodge through ICCC, this partnership provides a great opportunity all around,” says Joel.
“Our division strives to uplift and strengthen communities through education,” says BVU Director of Strategic Partnerships Laura Todd. “We look forward to continuing to help individuals in the Fort Dodge community pursue opportunities in higher education, now through a partnership with the FDCSD.”
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.