State Career Development Conference Creates Lifelong Impact for Students
The State Career Development Conference (CDC) is an event that Lexi Vasquez and nearly 600 other 11th and 12th-grade iJAG students look forward to every year. Vasquez, one of four State Career Association (SCA) student officers for 2024-2025, reflects on key experiences from GMG High School iJAG that prepared her to capture a first-place finish in the Prepared Speaking competition. Lexi, along with 24 other Iowa students, earned a spot to compete at the National CDC at the end of April in Indianapolis.
From Classroom to Career: How iJAG Helped One Student Land a Job at John Deere
Lindsay, a 2021 Dubuque Hempstead graduate, transformed her future thanks to iJAG—landing a job at John Deere, buying her first home, and building a life she’s proud of. Discover how one class taught her the life skills and provided her with the connections that made it all possible.
After the Storm: South Hardin iJAG Students Shine in Community Service Effort
When storms rolled through the South Hardin community, they left behind more than just fallen branches and scattered debris—they left an opportunity for kindness, service and teamwork. Last month, the South Hardin iJAG students recently stepped up to assist those in need, proving that small actions can make a big difference.
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.
THE DRIVE TO MILITARY AND TECH CAREERS THROUGH IOWA’S COMMUNITY COLLEGES
Brian Tiet is an iJAG alum who graduated from Mount Pleasant High School just last spring. After participating in large statewide events and competitions through iJAG, he soon discovered a passion for two things: technology and serving his county.
THE DRIVE TO LEADERSHIP AND PROSPERITY
Kira Canada is just as much part of the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) organization today as she was in high school. An iJAG alum from Waukee High School, Kira serves as the President of the National Career Association (NCA) which is a four-chair leadership team that helps lead and influence the student experience for all 39 state affiliate organizations.