NEWS

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.”