IOWA JOBS FOR AMERICA'S GRADUATES (iJAG) ANNOUNCES $50,000 DONATION FROM HY-VEE TO SUPPORT PROGRAMMING THAT INCREASES IN-STATE JOB OPPORTUNITIES
iJAG’s in-school career programming receives support from Iowa’s largest private employer
DES MOINES, Iowa (December 19, 2024) – 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. iJAG, a statewide leader in career development, partners with 74 school districts across 50 counties to deliver in-school career education, leadership training, work-based learning, and guidance to more than 8,200 middle school and high school students annually. Hy-Vee’s donation will go toward:
- On-the-job learning opportunities at up to 57 Iowa-based Hy-Vee retail, distribution, and office locations, including tours, job shadowing, and project-based experiences
- Student apprenticeship programs in pharmacy, culinary services, and logistics
- Classroom visits by Hy-Vee employees for career education and readiness support
- Professional student mentorships with Hy-Vee employees
- Hy-Vee’s involvement at iJAG’s youth conferences and events
“At Hy-Vee, we believe in creating opportunities that empower the next generation,” said Stacey Johnson, Senior Vice President of Government Relations & Corporate Compliance at Hy-Vee. “Partnering with iJAG allows us to make a significant impact by helping Iowa’s youth overcome challenges and achieve their full potential, building a foundation for brighter futures.”
“For the past 25 years, many iJAG students and alumni have gained valuable work experience at their local Hy-Vee, so we are eager to see where this statewide partnership can lead us,” said Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold, CEO & President at iJAG. “With Hy-Vee, we can help all 174 iJAG programs generate diverse work-based learning opportunities that put students on a path to an in-state career.”
“iJAG-Hy-Vee $50k Donation”: Hy-Vee enhances its partnership with Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) with a $50,000 donation that aims to bring increased job opportunities to youth across the state. Pictured right is Adriana Johnson, Director of Diversity & Community Relations at Hy-Vee and member of the iJAG Board of Directors with Wendy Mihm-Herold, CEO & President at iJAG (left) and Natalie Lynch, Career Pathways Coordinator at iJAG (center).
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that partners with Iowa schools to deliver career development programming that includes leadership training, career education, individualized guidance, and employer engagement services. With public and private support, iJAG builds future-ready generations of leaders who have sustainable plans for career and life thanks to meaningful experiences with employers. The organization serves more than 8,200 students, grades 6-12, across 174 programs statewide. To learn more, visit iJAG.org.
Hy-Vee, Inc. is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 570 business units across nine Midwestern states with sales of more than $13 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise, and superior customer service. Hy-Vee was recently named the No. 1 grocery store in America by USA TODAY. The company’s more than 75,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit www.hy-vee.com.