DUBUQUE, Iowa-A new alliance aims to help potentially at-risk Dubuque-area high school students create sustainable careers. The partnership brings together the Housing Education and Rehabilitation Training (HEART) Program, Dupaco Community Credit Union and the Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation. Mr. Hoefer is the retired CEO of Dupcaco Credit Union.
The effort includes hands-on learning, financial education and savings goals, certificate programs and advanced degrees. The program also is intended to address the local economy's growing shortage of skilled workers.
Through the alliance called HEART Bridge, Dupaco Community Credit Union and the Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation annually contribute staff expertise and more than $10,000 in direct matching contributions and operational support.
Through the enhanced HEART Bridge program, Dupaco Community Credit Union opens a savings account and provides financial coaching required by the program to help ensure the participant's goals are met. Students earn a stipend as they learn valuable hands-on trade skills during housing and community revitalization projects. The Dupaco R.W. Hoefer Foundation will match the savings amount once the goal is attained. Participants can use their savings and matched funds toward certificate programs, degree programs, career equipment or tools.
To help these students build skills, the Four Mounds Foundation and its partners-Dubuque Community School District, the City of Dubuque and Four Oaks of Iowa, Inc.-created its HEART Program in 2003 to revitalize blighted neighborhoods and community buildings in Dubuque. This program empowers its participants to take part in community revitalization projects while also working on becoming better leaders and developing viable career paths.