United Way of the Midlands Awards $25,000 Grant to iJAG to Support Student Success in Southwest Iowa
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $25,000 grant from United Way of the Midlands to support students participating in iJAG programs across Southwest Iowa.
This investment will help iJAG continue providing career readiness, leadership development, work-based learning experiences, and individualized support services that empower students to overcome barriers and successfully transition to postsecondary education, employment, or military service.
The funding was awarded through United Way of the Midlands’ competitive community investment process, where local volunteers reviewed applications and identified programs making a meaningful impact on youth and families throughout the region.
“Strong communities are built by investing in young people,” said Wendy Mihm-Herold, President and CEO of iJAG. “This partnership with United Way of the Midlands allows us to expand opportunities that help students develop leadership skills, connect with local employers, and gain the experiences that prepare them to contribute to the future workforce and strengthen the communities they call home.”
The grant will support iJAG students participating in programs throughout the United Way of the Midlands service area, including Council Bluffs, Glenwood, Woodbine, Riverside, Tri-Center, and SWITCH, where students receive individualized career coaching, leadership development, work-based learning experiences, and support services that prepare them for successful futures.
For many students, barriers such as transportation, food insecurity, housing instability, financial hardship, or limited access to career opportunities can impact their educational journey. iJAG specialists work alongside students to identify challenges, connect them to resources, and create individualized plans that support long-term success.
During the 2025-26 school year, iJAG served more than 13,000 students through more than 200 programs across Iowa. Students participating in iJAG consistently outperform their peers in graduation rates, postsecondary enrollment, and employment outcomes.
The grant will support iJAG’s continued efforts to connect students with career exploration opportunities, employer partnerships, work-based learning experiences, leadership development activities, and essential resources that remove barriers to educational and career success.
About Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) is a statewide nonprofit 501c3 organization that partners with Iowa school districts to deliver in-school career development programming. This includes leadership training, skill-building, employer engagement, and tailored guidance. Iowa is one of 32 affiliates part of Jobs for America’s Graduates, a nationally recognized program model for middle schools and high schools. Currently, iJAG serves more than 13,000 students through middle school, high school, and post-graduation transitional services that stretch across 204 in-school programs in 52 counties. iJAG graduates 99% of its students as compared to the 90% Iowa graduation rate. Student participants are also more likely to attend a postsecondary institution and/or find employment as compared to non-participants.
About United Way of the Midlands
Since 1923, United Way of the Midlands has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metropolitan area by bringing together donors, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders to address critical community needs. Through strategic investments and partnerships, United Way works to improve youth opportunity, financial stability, health, and basic needs throughout the region. Visit unitedwaymidlands.org.