Thought Leadership with iJAG and The Greater Des Moines Partnership

Perseverance-Principal

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.

THE DRIVE TO LEADERSHIP AND PROSPERITY

Kira Canada NCA President_iJAG

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

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

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-Narcisse

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: Clinton High School

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

Adriana Jimenez

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.