PREPARING OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE
Skills Development Conferences
Eastern Iowa Skills Development Conference: May 6, 2026 - Cedar Falls
Central Iowa Skills Development Conference: May 12, 2026 - Ankeny
During the Skills Development Conference (SDC), students in grades 7-10 participate in a full day of leadership development, skill-building, competitions, and career education.
This event features several categories of competitions that challenge students on various subject matter in addition to soft skills, presentation abilities, and professionalism. Whether competing individually or as a group, students work closely with their iJAG Specialists and employer mentors to prepare for the big day. Learn more about the competition categories:
Career Preparation
Students research a career and present on why the career is the right fit for them
L.O.V.E Project
Teams identify community inequities and work together to make a positive impact
Employability Skills
Students participate in a simulated employment interview
Prepared Speaking
Students prepare a speech and practice effective oral communication
Project Based Learning Showcase
Teams present a PBL project to a panel of judges
Ways to get involved:
- Students: Check back soon for the list of 2026 competition categories! Enter a competition and prepare with your Specialist!
- Employers: Sponsor, lead a workshop, host a booth at the career fair, and/or serve as a judge during one of our student competitions. Email info@iJAG.org to lock in your involvement!
- Community: Contact us to serve as an event volunteer.
Thank you, 2026 sponsors!
SDC is just one way employers can join us to build the future.
Contact us to learn how your organization can get involved.
