Western Iowa Tech Community College and iJAG Partner to Advance Student Success and Workforce Readiness
Western Iowa Tech Community College (WITCC) and Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) are proud to announce the launch of the iJAG College Success Program, a new partnership providing students with personalized career development, workforce preparation, employer connections and individualized support as they navigate college and prepare for successful careers.
Teaching Through Service: Karla Lilly
At iJAG, preparing students for the future goes beyond career exploration and employability skills. It’s also about helping young people discover their purpose, connect with their communities, and understand the impact they can make. iJAG Career Education Specialist Karla Lilly is bringing those lessons to life through service.
iJAG Recognizes Outstanding Leadership, Partnership and Student Impact at Back to School Summit
iJAG celebrated exceptional leadership, employer partnership, and service to students during its Back-to-School Summit awards event on Monday, August 10, 2026. The event recognized National JAG award recipients: Principal Financial Group® and Tom Willoughby (iJAG Program Manager at Principal®), and Sarah Richardson (iJAG Board Chair and owner of Barker Apartments in Iowa City). Denis Scott from John Deere and Moesha Flake, iJAG Career Education Specialist at Maquoketa Middle School were also recognized.
United Way of the Midlands Awards $25,000 Grant to iJAG to Support Student Success in Southwest Iowa
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.
From Iowa to the Nation: Aralyn Anaya Elected National JAG Officer
At iJAG, we believe strong connections create life-changing opportunities for students. This year, that impact is evident as Aralyn Anaya was elected to serve as a National JAG Officer, representing thousands of students across the country. Her achievement is a testament not only to her leadership and determination but also to the collective support of educators, specialists, employers, community partners, and advocates who invest in helping young people discover their potential.
iJAG at JAG Career Development Conference
More than 20 Iowa high school students recently traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to compete at the National Career Development Conference (NCDC) hosted by Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). The students represented Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) programs from schools across the state, showcasing their leadership, career readiness and professional skills on a national stage.
Cody Fitch Gives Back Through Mentorship
We believe success comes full circle—and few stories reflect that more than iJAG alum Cody Fitch. In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to highlight Cody’s continued commitment to supporting students and strengthening iJAG Nation.
Work-Based Learning: Iowa’s Competitive Advantage
This is a three-part thought leadership series that advocates and showcases the impact of work-based learning in Iowa.
Iowa’s economic future will not be determined by chance. It will be shaped by the decisions we make today about how we prepare young people for work—and how deeply businesses choose to engage in that preparation.
iJAG Receives Grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa for Innovative Career Learning Solutions
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) announces it has received a grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa (Variety) for innovative career learning solutions. The statewide nonprofit organizations leverage grant funding to introduce Virtual Reality (VR) headsets in select iJAG classrooms to adapt and support the ever-changing needs of students.
Broadlawns Boosts Career Certainty
iJAG senior Arianna Johnson has entered her final year at Hoover High School in Des Moines with peace of mind knowing she has a plan after graduation that will continue to put her on a path to a career she’s passionate about.