OTTUMWA, IA — Representative Zach Nunn (IA-03) on Tuesday joined local leaders, educators, and student advocates at the Ottumwa Career Campus to announce a $500,000 federal investment supporting the development of a youth-driven career hub designed to connect students and young adults across southeast Iowa with mentorship, workforce training, and hands-on career programming. B-roll from the visit is available here and below.
“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.”
Following the announcement, Rep. Nunn toured the Ottumwa Youth Center and met with students involved in shaping the project from the ground up. The renovated facility will include dedicated space for tutoring, career mentoring, workforce readiness training, and wraparound support services, with students continuing to play a leading role in the project’s development and design. Construction is expected to be completed in 2027.
B-roll from the visit is available here and photos are available here.
###