From Iowa to the Nation: Aralyn Anaya Elected National JAG Officer

Aralyn Anaya - New 2026 JAG Officer

At iJAG, we believe strong connections create life-changing opportunities for students. This year, that impact is evident as Aralyn Anaya was elected to serve as a National JAG Officer, representing thousands of students across the country. Her achievement is a testament not only to her leadership and determination but also to the collective support of educators, specialists, employers, community partners, and advocates who invest in helping young people discover their potential.

iJAG at JAG Career Development Conference

More than 20 Iowa high school students recently traveled to Salt Lake City, Utah, to compete at the National Career Development Conference (NCDC) hosted by Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG). The students represented Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) programs from schools across the state, showcasing their leadership, career readiness and professional skills on a national stage.

Cody Fitch Gives Back Through Mentorship

Cody Fitch Gives Back

We believe success comes full circle—and few stories reflect that more than iJAG alum Cody Fitch. In honor of National Volunteer Week, we’re proud to highlight Cody’s continued commitment to supporting students and strengthening iJAG Nation.

Work-Based Learning: Iowa’s Competitive Advantage

This is a three-part thought leadership series that advocates and showcases the impact of work-based learning in Iowa.

Iowa’s economic future will not be determined by chance. It will be shaped by the decisions we make today about how we prepare young people for work—and how deeply businesses choose to engage in that preparation.

Broadlawns Boosts Career Certainty

iJAG senior Arianna Johnson has entered her final year at Hoover High School in Des Moines with peace of mind knowing she has a plan after graduation that will continue to put her on a path to a career she’s passionate about.

Exploring Possibilities, Building a Career

When Waukee High School graduate Josh Knight joined iJAG, he discovered opportunities that helped him turn curiosity into a career. Through career exploration and the Build My Future Bootcamp, Josh gained the skills and connections that led to his job with Mediacom.

Apollo Opportunity Foundation Awards $1 Million Grant to iJAG to Support Iowa’s Future Workforce 

Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) is proud to announce that it will receive $1 million in grant funding over the next two years from the Apollo Opportunity Foundation. iJAG’s mission is to empower youth with the skills and support they need to succeed in education, employment, and life. Thanks to the Apollo Opportunity Foundation’s transformative funding commitment, iJAG will be able to strengthen its programs across the state and help more than 11,000 students overcome barriers to a better future.

A DRIVE TO IOWA EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE & CONTINUED CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY — COPY

Skylar-Forbes Under 30

Dr. Skylar Mayberry-Mayes is an iJAG alum whose passion for civic and social responsibility has never waivered since he graduated from North High School in Davenport. Skylar started his path to educational excellence by earning a Bachelor’s degree at the University of Northern Iowa (Finance) followed by a Master’s degree from Iowa State University (MBA) and later, a doctoral degree from Drake University (Ph.D) – making his future extremely bright just based on academic achievement alone! But Skylar’s accomplishments continued well beyond education.