Marshalltown, IA — As Marshalltown’s demographic landscape began to shift around the turn of the century, Terry Buzbee, former CEO of Emerson, recognized the need for local businesses to invest in the future workforce. Buzbee, along with other community leaders, sought to create opportunities for the next generation, particularly for first-generation college students, to thrive. Their vision led to the formation of the Marshalltown Education Partnership (MEP), a program designed to support high school students who would be the first in their families to attend college.
Launched in 2005 after a successful $270,000 fundraising campaign, MEP was the brainchild of key local organizations, including Emerson, the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation, Lennox, and the UnityPoint-operated local hospital. The program offers a simple but powerful promise: students who commit as freshmen to Marshalltown High School (MHS) and meet specific academic and financial criteria can receive half of their tuition covered at Marshalltown Community College (MCC).
Over the past 20 years, MEP has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships to 317 students, with 222 graduating. Yet, its impact extends far beyond financial aid. Nearly 5,000 students have benefited from the program in various ways, from mentoring to career development opportunities.
A Holistic Approach to Student Success
Karina Hernandez, MEP’s current coordinator, brings a personal understanding of the challenges faced by first-generation college students. As a first-generation graduate herself, Hernandez serves on the Marshalltown Community School District (MCSD) Board of Education and is passionate about supporting students in her role.
Hernandez, who took over the MEP coordinator position two years ago, said she initially viewed the program as a scholarship initiative. However, she quickly realized it encompassed much more. “When students join the program, they don’t just receive a scholarship — they receive guidance and support throughout high school, and even after they transition to MCC,” Hernandez explained.
She works closely with students from their freshman year onward, discussing potential career paths, leadership skills, resume building, and job opportunities in town. Hernandez also encourages students to explore universities and participate in employer tours to help them formulate a clear postsecondary plan.
Overcoming Challenges and Expanding Horizons
Hernandez is keenly aware of the unique obstacles that first-generation students face. Many are uncertain about their future career prospects and may not see themselves pursuing higher-paying or specialized jobs. “Sometimes, they don’t think they can do what others can. They may believe they’ll just take whatever job they can find, like construction or working at JBS,” she said. “But I help them see that these are good jobs, and with the right certification or education, they can advance to higher-level roles.”
Buzbee echoed this sentiment, explaining that companies like Emerson once struggled to find workers with specialized skills such as welding and machining. Despite Marshalltown’s thriving tech industry, the demand for skilled workers in these areas remains high. The MEP aims to bridge that gap by equipping students with the technical skills needed to fill such roles and succeed in local industries.
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Initially, some parents were skeptical of the MEP, concerned about hidden strings attached to the program. However, as the initiative gained momentum, trust in its value grew. According to MCSD Communications Director Abby Koch, the program aligns with the district’s mission to prepare students for future success.
“This program empowers students to think beyond their high school experience and explore various career paths,” Koch said. “With this opportunity, students aren’t just focusing on their current studies — they’re paving the way for their future careers.”
The partnership between MEP and local businesses, particularly those in manufacturing and technology, is crucial for ensuring the program’s success. Buzbee believes that as more students complete their college education with specialized skills, they will be better equipped to return to Marshalltown’s workforce, creating a strong talent pipeline for companies like Emerson and Lennox.
Celebrating Success Stories
The MEP’s long-term impact is reflected in the success of its graduates. One notable example is Melisa Fonseca, a current Fourth Ward City Councilor, who benefited from the program before attending the University of Northern Iowa (UNI). Another success story is a former MEP student who started as a draftsman at Emerson, returned to Iowa State University to earn an engineering degree, and now works in sales.
Buzbee sees these examples as evidence that the program is fulfilling its mission: helping students build skills that will not only allow them to succeed academically but also professionally. “The more we focus on skill-based education, the more we fuel the workforce that Marshalltown needs — in companies like Lennox, Emerson, and others,” he said.
Looking Ahead: A New Goal for Sustainability
In honor of MEP’s 20th anniversary, the partnership is setting an ambitious goal: raising another $1 million by 2025 to ensure the program’s future. Several key local organizations, including Emerson ($250,000), the Martha-Ellen Tye Foundation ($250,000), Mechdyne ($30,000), and the Lennox Foundation ($50,000), have already committed significant funds to the effort.
Buzbee, who serves as the chairman of the MEP Board of Directors, is hopeful that other major employers will step forward to support the initiative. Additionally, community members and MCSD staff are encouraged to contribute through donations or paycheck deductions.
As MEP celebrates two decades of success, its leadership remains committed to its mission of supporting first-generation college students and strengthening the future workforce of Marshalltown.
