Independence Community College has received a grant for just over $1 million from the Department of Education Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development.

The purpose of the RPED Grant Program is to improve rates of postsecondary enrollment, persistence, and completion among rural students through the development of high-quality career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand industry sectors and occupations in the region.

ICC plans to utilize grant funds will aid in recruitment efforts, over the next three years, targeting rural students in Southeast Kansas and bordering school districts and help provide career and academic advisement and placement. Grant funds will also be used to develop relationships with area workforce services to identify employer needs and promote internships, apprenticeships, and other on-the-job training for students and area employers.