MEETINGS PLANNED TO DETERMINE INTEREST IN POTENTIAL PROGRAMS

A chance to take classes in the ever-emerging industry of alternative and sustainable energies is being offered by Iowa Lakes Community College to individuals in this region who still want to keep their ‘day jobs.’

Meetings to determine the interest levels will be held in early July in both Algona and Spirit Lake.

The college is currently conducting an online survey and, so far, two careers appear to have a lot of interest: Biomass Energy Processing (ethanol/soy diesel production) and Sustainable Energy Resources Management.

"We knew there might be interest, particularly in Biomass classes," said Mary Mohni, Chief Academic Officer at Iowa Lakes. "Obviously, Sustainable Energy Resources Management also fits into that equation and we are looking into the possibility of offering these courses either at night or on weekends; or, possibly as hybrid (some face-to-face learning and some online learning) classes; or even completely online."

To gauge the interest, it is important for the college to find out the specific needs of potential students.

"We want to hear directly from them as to what would work best in their lives," Mohni added.

That’s why the meetings (scheduled for 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 10 in Algona and 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 11 in Spirit Lake) will include time for the college to share what options might be available as well as time for the college to listen to potential students. Representatives who are currently working in the industry are expected to host a discussion panel at each meeting. In addition, the instructors for each of the programs will be on hand as well as individuals who will have information on questions ranging from ‘how to’ take an online course to ‘how to’ pay for college courses.

Those interested in hearing more about these options are asked to call to make a reservation for the meeting to ensure that the college has adequate materials and staff available. Participants planning to attend the Algona meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 10 should call (515) 295-9455 or 1-877-807-9583. Those attending the July 11 meeting in Spirit Lake should call (712) 336-3439 or 1-877-807-9584.

If enough interest is generated, the college will proceed with arranging classes.

Those who haven’t had a chance to take the survey are encouraged to visit the college Web site of www.iowalakes.edu and click on Survey Planned for Potential Programs. No identifiable information is required from the survey-takers; however, the college encourages those who are fairly serious about this opportunity to ask for additional information at the end of the survey and leave a name and contact data so the college can advise participants in a timely manner of any progress being made toward the classes.

The survey will only be available on the Web site through July 15.

Those who do not have access to a computer may call the Spencer Campus of Iowa Lakes at (712) 262-7141 or 1-877-807-9585 and one will be mailed to them.