The Iowa Interpreter Program was enacted in 2004. The Division of Latino Affairs was charged with creating a standard system to qualify Spanish-English interpreters for generalized and specialized purposes and to maintain a roster of individuals qualified to provide interpreter services for the courts, health care and social services agencies.

Latino Affairs works with Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) to
enroll, provide financial assistance, and to graduate qualified interpreters. The first class in the field of general interpretation entered the program in August 2006 and fourteen students graduated June 9th, 2007.