PREPARING OUR FUTURE WORKFORCE

Skills Development Conference

May 7th, 2025 - Ankeny

During the Skills Development Conference (SDC), students in grades 7-10 participate in a full day of leadership development, skill-building, competitions, and career education. SDC is held in cooperation with Des Moines Area Community College. 56 iJAG programs attended with over 275 students involved in 2024.

This event features several categories of competitions that challenge students on various subject matter in addition to soft skills, presentation abilities, and professionalism. Whether competing individually or as a group, students work closely with their iJAG Specialists and employer mentors to prepare for the big day. Learn more about the 2024 competition categories:

Career Preparation

Students research a career and present on why the career is the right fit for them

L.O.V.E Project

Teams identify community inequities and work together to make a positive impact

Employability Skills

Students participate in a simulated employment interview

Prepared Speaking

Students prepare a speech and practice effective oral communication

Project Based Learning Showcase

Teams present a PBL project to a panel of judges

Ways to get involved:
  • Students: Check back soon for the list of 2025 competition categories! Enter a competition and prepare with your Specialist!
  • Employers: Sponsor, lead a workshop, host a booth at the career fair, and/or serve as a judge during one of our student competitions. Email info@iJAG.org to lock in your involvement!
  • Community: Contact us to serve as an event volunteer.

Thank you, 2024 sponsors!

SDC is just one way employers can join us to build the future.
Contact us to learn how your organization can get involved.

Check out the action from 2024 CDC in Des Moines:

Meet last year's finalists from 2024 NCDC in St. Louis: