The third annual Shrimp and Bingo Scholarship Fundraiser raised a record $21,346.23 for the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) Foundation to fund DMACC Water Environmental Technology (WET) program scholarships for students. Over the past three years, nearly $57,000 has been raised in this annual fundraiser.
The scholarships provided from money raised at the Shrimp and Bingo event are a difference maker to students. “Without this much needed scholarship, I would have a difficult time getting school supplies and books,” said DMACC WET program student Charles Weiny, Jr., who is also a decorated Navy veteran. “I cannot begin to express my gratitude to you, the committee members, for all of your hard work in organizing fundraisers to help me be the best student I can be.”
Weiny said the environmental water and wastewater degree has been a very good major for him. "I like this choice of degree because if I need to relocate to a different state, there are always job opportunities elsewhere,” said Weiny.
DMACC Business Resources Project Officer Dennis Hayworth said the water and wastewater industry needs highly skilled workers because the jobs are becoming more technical. He also said the job market is extremely attractive because numerous employees in the profession are quickly approaching retirement age.
DMACC WET Instructor Mark Simms said a graduate of DMACC’s WET program is qualified to seek employment or advancement in a variety of setting, including water and wastewater treatment companies and facilities, municipalities, as well as state and federal agencies.
The annual Shrimp and Bingo event is a collaboration between DMACC and several industry groups including the Iowa Association of Municipal Utilities (IAMU), Iowa Association of Water Agencies (IAWA), Iowa Water Environment Association (IAWEA), Iowa Section of American Water Works Association (IAWWA) and the Iowa Rural Water Assocation (IRWA).
Planning is already underway for next year’s Shrimp and Bingo event to be held Saturday, August 22, 2015.
Des Moines Area Community College, a public institution serving the educational and career training needs of Iowans, is committed to the lifelong success of its students. As Iowa’s largest two-year college, DMACC offers 167 programs, certificates and transfer degrees, annually serving more than 75,000 credit and noncredit students on six campuses and in three learning centers. Thanks to college-wide innovation, new programs and affordable tuition, DMACC has experienced record growth and is the 15th fastest growing two-year college in America. For more information, please visit www.dmacc.edu.