Riverside Community School District

CARSON, IA — Riverside High School Industrial Technology Teacher Ben Dorr has secured a $22,000 Industry Recognized Credentials Grant from the Iowa Department of Education. 

Dorr plans to use the grant to implement the Snap-On Certification program, specifically focusing on the Precision Measuring Certification. This initiative will enable RHS students to earn significant labor market-value credentials, preparing them for careers in various industries.

“We are thrilled to receive this grant and to offer our students the opportunity to earn such valuable certifications while they are still in high school,” said Dr. Stephanie Anderson, Superintendent of the Riverside Community School District. “The Snap-On Precision Measuring Certification will give our students a competitive edge and open up numerous career opportunities in industries that value precision and technical expertise. A big congratulations and thanks goes out to Mr. Dorr for securing this grant.”

The grant is part of a larger Iowa DOE initiative to align secondary career and technical education programs with industry-recognized credentials. A total of $1.7 million in competitive grants has been awarded to Iowa school districts so far. 

The Credentials to Careers grant is designed to support high school students in obtaining certifications, credentials, or licenses highly regarded by employers and endorsed by nationally recognized trade associations or organizations. These credentials are available across numerous career pathways, including health sciences, information technology, construction, manufacturing, child development, culinary, and business.

Industry-recognized credentials are critical to career and technical education, as they provide students with tangible proof of their skills and knowledge directly applicable to the workforce. By integrating these credentials into the curriculum, the district is helping to ensure students are well prepared for the demands of the modern job market.