Council Bluffs students honored for earning college credentials through Diploma Plus 1 pathways
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Summary
The Council Bluffs Community School District honored students who completed dual‑credit and career programs that let them graduate with industry certificates or associate degrees alongside high school diplomas.
The Council Bluffs Community School District on an evening at the Iowa Western Community College Fine Arts Center recognized students who completed dual‑credit and career pathways that allow them to earn a second credential before graduating from high school.
District and college officials said this year’s cohort included a record number of students earning college credentials through partnerships with Iowa Western Community College and district programs such as the Early College Academy, the College Credit Acceleration pathway and TradeWorks.
In a superintendent’s report, Dr. Murillo, superintendent of the Council Bluffs Community School District, said the diploma plus 1 pathways give students “the opportunity to achieve more than just their high school diploma.” Presenters noted a record high of 131 seniors earning credentials from Iowa Western Community College this year.
Students and program staff described the programs and individual student experiences. Kylie Gardner, a senior in the College Credit Acceleration pathway, said attending Iowa Western gave her “a head start for the rest of my college career” and allowed her to meet gen‑ed requirements before entering a four‑year program. Student speakers and program coordinators described hands‑on training and internships, including operating room observation and a certified nurse aide (CNA) clinical experience.
The board recognized multiple program strands: Early College Academy (ECA), which presenters said has produced 150 associate‑degree graduates in its history; the College Credit Acceleration pathway (CCA), which this year produced 19 associate‑degree graduates alongside high school diplomas; Career and Academic Pathways (CAP), which awards certificates in fields such as nurse aide, food service technician and cybersecurity; and TradeWorks at Iowa Western Community College, which offers certificates and diplomas in automotive, construction, welding and related trades.
Student testimonials illustrated program outcomes. Cameron White, a Tradeworx graduate who earned a welding diploma, said, “I am a welder,” and described the program as a turning point that changed his trajectory and prepared him to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Other student speakers described plans to continue at four‑year schools, enroll in regional community colleges, or enter apprenticeships and employment in high‑demand fields.
Board members and Iowa Western representatives thanked district staff and college partners for developing the pathways. District staff who presented and were named during the meeting included Melissa Kollmine, chief of secondary schools; Spencer Matthews, Early College Academy coordinator; Kathy Schmieding, coordinator of College and Career Education; and program instructors and student presenters.
The board presented graduates with a commemorative coin and acknowledged the programs’ goals of building local workforce pipelines and giving students more postsecondary options.
Organizers did not specify district funding sources for the programs during the presentation; presenters emphasized partnership with Iowa Western Community College and a mix of concurrent‑enrollment and on‑campus offerings.
The celebration concluded before the board returned to brief regular business items and two separate action votes.
