MOUNT PLEASANT— Gov. Kim Reynolds and the Iowa Economic Development Authority recently announced more than $500,000 in grant funding will be awarded to rural communities across the state through the Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative. The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance was awarded $10,000 to renovate the second floor of the Chamber office to be used as a new work-based learning center for area schools called The Uptown Cell.
“Rural communities are the backbone of our state, and this latest round of grants will help them tackle tough challenges like housing, childcare, and recruitment,” said Lt. Governor Adam Gregg. “The Empower Rural Iowa initiative looks forward to building on this success and further ensuring opportunity and prosperity are present in all corners of Iowa.”
Work-based learning is an instructional strategy that enhances classroom learning by connecting it to the workplace. Students gain work experience while also learning academic and technical skills. Schools, community-based organizations, and businesses come together to make these meaningful programs happen.
A group of students from the Mount Pleasant High School CELL (Civic Engagement and Learning Lab) class is helping to transform the upstairs into a space that students can use to work on projects and presentations and to meet with business leaders from the community. It will also allow chamber members a great space for small group meetings, staff retreats and more. The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance and the Mount Pleasant Area Development Commission will match the $10,000 for a total project cost of $20,000.
The Mount Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance exists to improve the quality of life for Henry County residents through economic growth. The Chamber consists of 340 businesses, organizations, and individual members.