iJAG Students Lead Fundraiser for Stead Family Children’s Hospital
The iJAG students at Ottumwa High School have once again demonstrated their leadership and commitment to making a difference in their community. Through hard work, dedication, and fundraising, the students raised a total of $5,907 for the University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, a cause close to their hearts.
Aralyn’s Journey to Confidence and Advocacy
On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, approximately 90 iJAG students visited the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines, where they met with 36 different legislators to share the value iJAG brings to all student participants, as well as their schools, community, and the entire state.
Aralyn, a junior from Muscatine and a State Career Association Officer-elect, is just one of the students who was able to display the leadership and soft skills she has gained in the classroom by sharing her story with state and local leaders.
Thought Leadership with iJAG and The Greater Des Moines Partnership
Work-based learning is imperative in helping Iowa businesses build and maintain their talent pipelines. This type of programming provides students with opportunities to develop relationships, gain exposure and gain work experience in various business and industry sectors starting as early as seventh grade which fosters the critical development of employability skills, leadership and human skills needed, along with implementing a solid career pathway upon graduation from high school.
$50,000 Donation from Hy-Vee to Support Programming that Increases In-State Job Opportunities
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) announces a $50,000 donation from Hy-Vee to help support in-state job opportunities. The donation from Iowa’s largest private employer will support iJAG programming, which features in-school, work-based, and community experiences that help students discover, plan, and prepare for a career.
Jobs for America’s Graduates in Iowa Received $250,000 Grant from Apollo Opportunity Foundation
Jobs for America’s Graduates in Iowa (iJAG), a statewide nonprofit within the JAG organization, received a $250,000 grant from the Apollo Opportunity Foundation (AOF). The national philanthropic organization aims to deliver continued equity to underserved youth through statewide access to career and academic learning, leadership training, skill-building, and wellness.
Discovering passion and taking action
Terry Liggins is a senior at Clinton High School (CHS) and part of iJAG’s 11/12 program. If you ask Terry, he will tell you that before joining the program, he had no career plans. Now, he has invested in discovering what his passions are and how to pursue them. When asked why Terry loves iJAG at CHS, he said “iJAG feels like a family who cares about me as a person and what my future goals are.”
Meet State Career Association Officer: Adriana
Like many students, Adriana Jimenez attended an iJAG class uncertain of the opportunities that would transpire. Listen to a special video testimony where she talks about her journey from the first day she stepped inside an iJAG classroom to where she is today. “iJAG honestly changed my life,” said Adrianna.
Student Spotlight: “If it doesn’t fit my morals and goals, it doesn’t deserve my time.”
Melanny Garcia Flores came to the United States in September 2016 from El Salvador. She was held at an immigration center for two months in Texas until her uncle was able to get custody and take her to New York. In July 2019, she arrived in Storm Lake to live with her aunt. This journey was very difficult for a nine-year-old, but she perceived it to be an inspiration to work hard so that she could have better opportunities. She also wanted her siblings and parents to be proud of her given the sacrifices they had made for her.
A students’ take on Legislative Days
Legislative Days give students the chance to meet with local and state leaders to promote the impact of iJAG and share their personal stories and aspirations for the future while putting their leadership and soft skills into practice. This year, more than 250 students visited the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines across two separate days. During the event, we were able to catch up with iJAG senior, Sisi, of Cedar Rapids Prairie High School. Read more in this article about her journey from Africa and how our program has inspired her plans for the future.
iJAG Systems of Support
What’s the importance of iJAG’s middle school program model? A comprehensive support system filled with strategies that help youth remediate early onset academic challenges, get connected with community resources at a young age, and receive awareness about potential career paths!