OTTUMWA, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) today announced a $500,000 federal investment to support the renovation and expansion of the Ottumwa Youth Center Career Campus — a student-driven initiative designed to connect young Iowans with career opportunities, mentorship, and workforce training close to home.
The federal funding will create flexible space for tutoring, workforce exposure, hands-on skills programming, creative activities, and supportive services for students and young adults across southeast Iowa.
Rep. Nunn announced the investment alongside local leaders, educators, student advocates, and community partners at the Ottumwa Youth Center.
“What sets this project apart is that Ottumwa students identified a need in their own community, put in the work, and turned an idea into action. That’s exactly the kind of leadership we should be investing in,” said Rep. Nunn. “As a dad, I know how important it is for young people to have a place where they can build real-world skills, connect with mentors, and see a future for themselves close to home. This investment puts Ottumwa’s next generation in the driver’s seat while strengthening the workforce our local employers depend on.”
Rep. Nunn secured the funding through the FY2026 Community Project Funding (CPF) process. The award, administered through Economic Development Initiatives, will support the transformation of existing space at the Ottumwa Career Campus into a flexible, youth-centered hub designed by students and built for the future of the community.
Once complete, the renovated facility will provide dedicated areas for one-on-one tutoring, career mentoring, workforce readiness training, hands-on programming, and wraparound support services. The goal is to create a centralized location where students and young adults can explore career paths, connect with local employers, and gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in Ottumwa and beyond.
The project includes a youth-driven design component, with students helping shape the space from concept to completion, and has already secured additional local and non-federal support to sustain the project through 2027.
This investment builds on Rep. Nunn’s broader effort to expand career-connected learning and workforce development opportunities across Iowa. Earlier this month, Rep. Nunn announced a $2 million federal investment at Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to modernize campus facilities and expand workforce training programs. Rep. Nunn is also leading the bipartisan PARTNERS Act to strengthen apprenticeship partnerships between small businesses, community colleges, and workforce training providers — helping more young Iowans launch careers without leaving the communities they call home.
“This $500,000 grant validates a vision that began with our students identifying a need within their own community,” said Brad McCloskey, Associate Superintendent, Ottumwa School District. “By collaborating with local partners, they have created a project that will support and inspire every young person in Ottumwa. We are grateful to Representative Nunn and HUD for helping us turn this student-driven potential into a reality.”
“We hope this new space becomes a place where every young person in Ottumwa feels supported, inspired, and empowered to turn their potential into purpose,” said Michael Rodriguez, Job Corps.
“What makes this project impactful is that it is youth-driven. Through this experience, we not only worked to address a need in our community, but also gained valuable skills, including learning how to write a grant, showing that youth can lead and grow at the same time,” said Arrielle Griffin, Ottumwa High School Class of 2025.
“We have a vision for youth in Ottumwa and this experience has led us closer to that goal. Not only are we capable of bringing about change but together we can inspire others to do the same,” said Diana Dominguez, Ottumwa High School Class of 2022.
“This youth center takes a crucial step towards providing an opportunity for the young men and women of our community to build a foundation of relationships,” said Benjamin Foote, Mayor, City of Ottumwa. “It is the moments that will happen in this space that I believe will lead the way in turning the tide of the declining mental health of our community. The ideas born here will be the bedrock the future leaders of our community will be built on.”
“With the support of U.S. Rep. Nunn through this grant, Ottumwa is able to deliver a unique space for our city’s students that will foster personal and professional growth, security, and enable community engagement,” said Marc Roe, Executive Director, Greater Ottumwa Partners in Progress. “Developing the next generation is critical to the sustainability of our community, and this center will be a crucial component in that mission. I applaud the forethought and execution of this plan by both the students and staff of OCSD involved.”
“Opportunities such as this, for our youth, create opportunities for Iowa now and into the future,” said Hans Wilz, State Representative.
“The opening of the new Ottumwa Youth Hub CPF on Main Street in downtown Ottumwa represents a landmark achievement for our community, delivering both immediate and long-term benefits to the heart of our historic district,” said Kris Patrick, Executive Director, Main Street Ottumwa. “This dynamic new use for a portion of Ottumwa High School’s Career Campus will serve as a safe, welcoming space where local youth applied for the Community Project Funding grant that made this project possible. Students are planning the project each step of the way. It is a privilege to be included as youth develop and program the space creating social and mentorship opportunities, recreational activities, and community events designed to build skills, confidence, and connections.”
“The youth hub is a wonderful opportunity to collaborate with youth and what they need from the community to be able to collaborate with each other in a positive environment,” said Isabella Hoffman, Representative, Ottumwa Youth Council.
The project has received strong support from local educators, youth advocates, community organizations, city leaders, and workforce partners across Wapello County — underscoring its long-term importance to southeast Iowa.
Photos from the press conference are available here.
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