Spirit Lake, IA (KICD)– Iowa Lakes Community College cut the ceremonial ribbon on the new Spirit Lake Regional Career Academy that will help area high school students gain valuable experience and connect with local employers while pursuing high-demand careers.

College President Scott Stokes says the project housed inside the Spirit Lake campus of ILCC has been a long time in the making that was made possible by a chunk of funding from the State of Iowa.

Stokes says one of the big perks of having a Career Academy like this in Spirit Lake is the localized nature giving area students the opportunity to build skills close to home.

The learning areas within the building go far beyond normal classroom and in many cases use some of the latest technology to help with the hands-on aspect.

The learning areas within the building go far beyond normal classroom and in many cases use some of the latest technology to help with the hands-on aspect.

The Spirit Lake Regional Career Academy is currently offering courses in Patient Care with Agriculture Production Technology starting in the Fall. There are currently four partner schools: Estherville Lincoln Central, Spirit Lake, Okoboji and Harris Lake Park.