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.
THE DRIVE TO IOWA’S PRIVATE COLLEGES AND SUCCESSFUL STUDENT-ATHLETES

Jeremy Galloway is an iJAG alum and recent graduate of Clinton High School wearing many hats as a first-year college student. In addition to keeping up his duties as an ambassador for the iJAG ALUMNi NETWORK, he manages to be a full-time student-athlete at one of Iowa’s four-year private colleges and work part-time.
THE DRIVE TO SERVE AND INNOVATE IOWA’S RURAL COMMUNITIES

Thomas Tremel is a current senior at Woodbine High School taking full advantage of the opportunities iJAG has presented him. During the summer of 2023, he completed two finance-related internships with iJAG and Principal Financial Group nearly two hours away from home.
THE DRIVE TO HELP YOUTH OVERCOME BARRIERS

Perseverance (“Percy”) Narcisse is a graduate of Roosevelt High School in Des Moines, and her name lends itself to her character. In the last months of her senior year, Percy quickly pivoted away from plans to attend Iowa State University when she found out she was pregnant. Months into her pregnancy, her father passed away unexpectedly.
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.”
Meet State Career Association Officer: Adriana

Like many students, Adriana Jimenez attended an iJAG class uncertain of the opportunities that would transpire. Listen to a special video testimony where she talks about her journey from the first day she stepped inside an iJAG classroom to where she is today. “iJAG honestly changed my life,” said Adrianna.