Briar Cliff University has been awarded a $1.75 million federal Student Services grant through the U.S. Department of Education. The funding is part of the federal TRIO programs and will be distributed over the next five years, with $345,845 allocated for the first year.
The SSS grant supports students who are first-generation college students, who come from low-income families, and students with disabilities to achieve their academic goals.
The grant will serve 200 students annually at Briar Cliff University, providing resources including financial literacy support, career counseling, and graduate school preparation.
In a release, Dr. Matthew Draud, President of Briar Cliff University, said the grant supports students facing additional challenges and equips more students for academic achievement.
*Riverside Elementary School’s new principal, Stephanie Felts, met with students and parents Thursday afternoon.
Students had the opportunity to enjoy popsicles with their new principal, an idea Felts introduced as a way to connect with the community and families.
Felts’ vision for Riverside Elementary centers on celebrating both family involvement and student academic success.
One of her top priorities for the upcoming school year is improving communication.
Felts believes in proactive communication and plans to communicate frequently using various platforms.
The first day of school is August 25th.
*The Siouxland African Association is hosting their 10th annual Siouxland African Festival, or SA-Fest, this Saturday.
The festival brings people together from all the African countries to celebrate diverse cultures, languages, and food.
Albert Okine, Board Secretary of the Siouxland African Association, told Siouxland Public Media, “The idea is just to foster a sense of unity among African immigrants, diaspora as well as non-Africans with the Siouxland community.”
The event will feature music, dancing, a fashion show, and a parade of nations where people walk on stage while music from their country plays and possibly share something about their country.
All are welcomed and encouraged to come to the Siouxland African Festival.
*Sioux City Career Academy’s project home is relocating to its permanent site outside of Sioux City on Friday.
This is the second home built by students in the Career Academy’s trades pathway over the past two years.
In addition to these projects, students have also finished construction on two homes for Siouxland Habitat for Humanity.
*The Iowa State Fair Parade kicks off the 2025 Iowa State Fair this evening at 6:15 p.m.
More than 130 participants are registered for this year’s parade.
This year’s parade celebrates 100 years of the Fiddlers' contest.
The 2025 Iowa State Fair runs from August 7 through August 17.
