FORT DODGE - An Iowa community college has become the first in the nation to earn federal approval for the Workforce Pell Grant program, allowing students in its emergency medical technician program to receive federal dollars for their education. That is exactly why today's announcement matters," Iowa Central Community College President Jesse Ulrich said. "Workforce Pell removes barriers for students who are ready to enter careers that are essential to our communities, while helping employers meet one of their greatest needs-a highly skilled workforce." The Iowa Department of Education announced July 31 in a newsletter that Iowa Central, alongside Des Moines Area Community College, Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and Iowa Western Community College have received state certification for their Workforce Pell programs. When it comes to emergency medical services, Ulrich said funding from Workforce Pell Grants goes beyond financial aid to invest in the people who will potentially save Iowans' lives.