Be a virtual judge! The 2024 Career Development Conference
Volunteer and support the state’s largest youth leadership conference of the year! iJAG is looking for virtual volunteers to judge preliminary student competitions between February 5 – 9, 2024. Competitions include Business Plan, Career Prep, Prepared Speaking, Project-Based Learning Showcase, Employability Skills, and the L.O.V.E. Project.
iJAG student wins statewide skilled trades competition
Our drive to jobs in skilled trades is creating sparks! As employer partnerships continue to grow, so do opportunities for our students.
Just last week, iJAG student Matthew Deshamp of GMG High School earned first place in a welding competition open to students across the state. The competition took place at the Skilled Trades Convention hosted by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) of Iowa.
Iowa student leaders shine in D.C.
Earlier this month, eight student leaders joined staff members for an annual trip to Washington, D.C. From meeting up with iJAG alum and National Career Association President Kira Canada for some sight-seeing to visiting with Iowa legislators on Capitol Hill before attending the National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA), this trip was filled with unforgettable experiences that help shape our young people and the future of iJAG.
iNTRODUCING, the iJAG ALUMNi NETWORK
This fall, we were thrilled to launch the iJAG ALUMNi NETWORK with kickoff events in Des Moines and Iowa City. With more than 30 alumni in attendance, it was humbling to hear firsthand how our program and Education Specialists have made a life-changing impact on their careers and lives.
Arconic + iJAG Manufacturing Career Expo
On October 20, Arconic hosted more than 200 Quad Cities area iJAG students for a first-ever Manufacturing Career Expo. The event was held at the Arconic Learning Center with six different occupations/units represented. Those included skilled trades (Roll Grinders, Machinists, Electricians), Information Technology, Engineering and Production.
Leadership Development Conference: It Starts with Us!
The iJAG Leadership Development Conference (LDC) sponsored by the Wellmark Foundation was held in Des Moines at the Iowa Events Center on November 3. The event hosted nearly 1,100 students from across the state who were recently elected by their peers to serve as local Career Association officers!
Wendy Mihm-Herold: Building a vision for the future
Wendy Mihm-Herold stepped into her role to serve as the President & CEO of iJAG in January 2023. With her extensive experience, Wendy is well-equipped to connect education with in-demand careers and workforce opportunities, benefiting students and enhancing community vitality throughout the state.
Leading the State Career Association to New Successes
In the heart of Des Moines, a dynamic young leader is making waves. Meet Alontae Gross – a senior at Des Moines North High School – who is not just charting his path to success, but also inspiring more than 7,200 of his peers by serving as iJAG’s State Career Association (SCA) President.
iJAG students spark their futures!
In September, 83 female iJAG students in grades 10-12 attended the Women in Technical Energy Careers event hosted by Alliant Energy. The event had a clear mission – to introduce female students to the boundless opportunities within technical energy careers.