BVU, Mid-Iowa Community Action join in Strategic Partnership
MICA is a non-profit organization that focuses on serving children and families affected by the conditions of poverty. This partnership allows them to extend educational benefits at a reduced cost to their employees and families.
Buena Vista University and Mid-Iowa Community Action (MICA) have joined ties as Strategic Partners to better serve and uplift their communities.
This partnership creates opportunities for employees of MICA, as well as 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 MICA seek those services and expertise.
“Partnering with BVU provides a win-win situation, creating growth and personal development opportunities for our employees and their family members,” says MICA Human Resources Director Rachel Phillips. “We look forward to supporting our employees and providing them a savings through BVU as they pursue higher education opportunities.”
“BVU taught me the importance of working hard, being dedicated, and staying focused, which led me to my current position with MICA.”
Kristi Steward
MICA is a private, non-profit organization with approximately 150 employees serving Poweshiek, Hardin, Marshall, Story, and Tama counties. The organization focuses on serving children and families affected by the conditions of poverty through various programs including early childhood, health, family development, housing, weatherization, and community enrichment services.
“This new benefit will not only assist our employees and their family members but will impact the communities we serve,” says Phillips.
MICA Early Childhood and Programs Family Development Coordinator Kristi Steward received her bachelor’s degree in human services from BVU through the University’s office on the Marshalltown Community College campus in 2012. This flexibility allowed her to pay for college as she was able to continue working. Additionally, her education propelled her into a career which she enjoys.
“I am committed to MICA’s statement of purpose “Helping People. Changing Lives. Building Communities,’” Steward says.
“Throughout my experience with BVU, I worked close to full-time hours because the University offered evening classes. This was one of the many benefits of attending BVU,” Steward continues. “BVU taught me the importance of working hard, being dedicated, and staying focused, which led me to my current position with MICA.”
BVU has long enjoyed strong educational ties in and around Marshalltown, home to MCC, a campus that has collaborated with BVU for decades. Students enrolled in a program through MCC can seamlessly transfer their credits toward their bachelor’s degree at BVU. Students receive personalized support including admissions and enrollment counseling, and academic advising right in Marshalltown through BVU’s office on the MCC campus.
“We are excited to offer educational benefits to MICA’s employees and family members, an organization that exemplifies BVU’s motto, ‘Education for Service,’” says BVU Director of Strategic Partnerships Laura Todd. “As partners, we will work together to strengthen and transform the communities we serve.”
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.