Grinnell College Community Connections

08/07/2026

In her summer internship with the Grinnell Area Arts Council, Kyra Pruszinski ’27 gets hands-on experience in everything from youth art teaching to grant writing—proving how hands-on leadership can transform local communities. Her experience is just one example of how Grinnell College empowers students, backing hundreds of summer experiential learning opportunities and Mentored Advanced Projects with over $1.2 million in dedicated funding. Read about Kyra’s experience: https://www.grinnell.edu/news/using-arts-strengthen-community

08/05/2026

SAVE THE DATE: Smithsonian Film Series August 10

The Smithsonian Film Series continues on Monday, Aug. 10 at 10 am at the Strand 3 with "The Green Book: Guide to Freedom". This film explores the history and significance of the Negro Motorist Green Book, the travel guide that helped Black Americans navigate segregation during the Jim Crow era and became a powerful symbol of resilience, community, and safe passage.

Following the screening, Valeriya Woodard '25, Public History Post Baccalaureate, will share her research of black history at Grinnell College, which includes Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith '37, DHL '19, GHS '32. Free of charge and no RSVP required.

Grinnell College, as a Smithsonian Affiliate, is offering a public film series, which features five more Smithsonian Channel films exploring different aspects of American life and history. Running through November 2026. Each screening will include collaboration with community partners, faculty, and staff to connect the films to local experiences, Iowa history, and the broader American story. The next showing will be on August 31. https://events.grinnell.edu/event/41263-smithsonian-film-series

08/04/2026

UPDATE! National Night Out, Aug. 4 has been cancelled due to inclement weather.

You are invited to attend National Night Out in Central Park on Aug. 4 from 6-8 pm! It'll be the perfect chance to come out, say hello, and connect with the dedicated teams keeping our community safe. Meet members from the Grinnell Police Department, Grinnell Fire Department, Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office, Poweshiek County Emergency Management Agency, and the Iowa State Patrol. The Grinnell Optimist Club will be serving up free ice cream and local food trucks will be on-site with for-purchase options. Bring your family, catch up with neighbors, and celebrate our community. Free and open to all!

07/29/2026

This is pretty cool!

From theater to investment banking, Grinnell grads have been making names for themselves since the college was founded. Get to know 19 top alums.

07/28/2026

Last week for Storytime Art in the Park!

This is the last week for Storytime Art in the Park for the summer. Tuesday, July 28 will be at the Grinnell College Museum of Art courtyard (north side of 1108 Park St.). Thursday, July 30 will be in the Central Park shelter house (925 3rd Ave.) along with Grinnell Farm to Table offering free food items to take home. No registration required and open to all. Thank you to GCMoA and Drake Community Library for a fun filled summer! To learn more:

Grinnell College Museum of Art and Drake Library are offering free hands-on art and literacy activities for children and families in area parks. Ev...

07/22/2026

REMINDER: Welcome for New Superintendent Ken Kasper on July 22

The Community is invited to an Open House on July 22 from 4-6 pm to help welcome new Superintendent Ken Kasper to the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. Remarks will be given at 5:30 pm. Please plan to stop by the Katherine Howell Weingart '61 Civic Innovation Pavilion (1033 Broad St.) Hosted by the Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation with many community partners.

07/21/2026

Strand 3 Summer Movie Series Continues!

All Summer Movies Series showings will be on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 11 am & noon.
> July 22 & 23: A Minecraft Movie
> July 29 & 30: The Lego Movie
> Aug. 5 & 6: Muppet Treasure Island
> Aug. 12 & 13: The Sandlot.
Free admission by ticket only. Children must be supervised. Seating is limited and subject to availability. Tickets available at all sponsoring locations.

Also showing:
> The Odyssey (rated R),
> Moana (rated PG),
> Minions & Monsters (rated PG),
> Spider-Man: Brand New Day (rated PG-13) coming July 30

https://www.fridleytheatres.com/movie-theater/grinnell-strand3

07/17/2026

Two local initiatives are coming to life thanks to support from Grinnell College's Community Mini-Grant Program. Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative has been awarded $6,178 to transform a vacant downtown lot at 915 Main Street into the "Grinnell Smallest Park," and the Grinnell Community Early Learning Center received $6,375 to enhance its outdoor environment with nature-based and sensory play equipment, which will be shared with local preschool students starting this fall. Poweshiek Development

Read the Full Story: https://www.grinnell.edu/news/new-downtown-parklet-early-learning-playground-enhancements-receive-grinnell-college-mini

Photo description: Two children playing in sandbox. Photo credit: Justin Hayworth, Grinnell College

A vacant lot in the heart of downtown Grinnell will soon become a welcoming gathering place for residents and visitors thanks to support from Grinnell College's Community Mini-Grant Program.

07/15/2026

SAVE THE DATE: Welcome for New Superintendent Ken Kasper on July 22

The Community is invited to an Open House on July 22 from 4-6 pm to help welcome new Superintendent Ken Kasper to the Grinnell-Newburg Community School District. Remarks will be given at 5:30 pm. Please plan to stop by the Katherine Howell Weingart '61 Civic Innovation Pavilion (1033 Broad St.) Hosted by the Grinnell-Newburg School Foundation with many community partners.