PARTNERSHIP EXAMPLES

Partnership Overview: 
Since 2002, the relationship between Jobs for America’s Graduates in Iowa (iJAG) and Principal Financial Group® has continuously evolved and has now become one of JAG’s most progressive business relationships. Together, iJAG and Principal® have raised the bar on career preparedness, professional development, and entry into the job market. Their shared vision for access to opportunity serves as the bedrock of the partnership.

iJAG and Principal is truly a “full-package”, but there are three unique initiatives that reflect their ongoing innovation: engagement & mentorship, financial literacy & immersion programming.

Areas to Address:

• Employee Engagement: Creating a strong corporate social responsibility (CSR) program that has just as equal benefit to employees of the organization is the ultimate win-win. Through iJAG, Principal is able to connect its employees into classrooms, schools, and communities across the state through various engagement strategies that boost engagement, job satisfaction, support volunteerism, and more.
• Flexible Entry into the Job Market: Limited education is a prevalent factor in unemployment. Principal views iJAG as an essential ally for attracting, training, developing, and hiring diverse talent.
• Youth Development Above All-Else: While the Drive to J (Jobs) is a key priority for employer partners, Principal is also invested in uplifting youth and creating equitable opportunities that result in a thriving Iowa. Principal shares iJAG’s vision to equip youth with leadership training, soft skills building, and civic experiences that build character, career readiness, and preparedness for the future.

Solutions & Outcomes:

• Engagement & Mentorship: Principal exposes students to a wide array of careers through a mentorship program with employees. Through mentorship, employees provide authentic and constructive feedback to students, fostering their personal growth while creating meaningful connections that uplift every student.
  • Outcome: During the 2023-2024 school year, iJAG facilitated 90 engagements with Principal which featured classroom visits and onsite tours. Additionally, 100 Principal employees volunteered their time to mentor students at 15 Des Moines metro middle schools and high schools.*
• Financial Literacy: This is where iJAG intersects the community social responsibility (CSR) arm of Principal, as iJAG seeks to equip young people with knowledge and applications to successfully manage finances and investments.
  • Outcome: iJAG generated a sponsorship from Principal for its Financial Literacy competition at the 2024 Career Development Conference. In addition, Principal has continuously led related workshops and activities during special classroom visits.
• Immersion Programming: For several years, iJAG students from all across the state have had the unique opportunity to apply and participate in a paid six-week internship at Principal world headquarters in downtown Des Moines. Part of that experience includes lodging and caregiving support for students traveling to participate in the experience. Beginning in the spring of 2024, Principal shortened the format to a three-week immersion experience to support more students throughout the summer.
  • Outcome: 2024 iJAG graduates participated in the new Principal Immersion Program
  • Outcome: 2 iJAG graduates from the Principal immersion program earned apprentice positions in the departments of Customer Care (Dental) and Bank Operations

Conclusion: Principal helps iJAG develop and deliver workforce solutions and career preparedness. Together, our organizations are leading the drive to jobs through flexible entry formats, strong adult mentorships along with reliable and proven programming that is ever-evolving to meet the varied needs of our students and the places in which we work.

Principal is one of the longest-standing partners of iJAG throughout its 25-year history.

“Our long-standing partnership with iJAG has made a significant impact on our business. Through thousands of hours spent by our volunteer mentors in local classrooms, we’ve not only contributed to the growth of iJAG students but also enhanced our own team’s leadership, presentation, and soft skills. Additionally, our work-based learning initiatives have directly resulted in over 20 students securing full-time positions at Principal Financial Group, demonstrating the mutual benefits of our collaboration.” said Jon Couture – Executive Vice President, Global Services & Chief Human Resources Officer at Principal Financial Group.

*Information based on August 2023 – June 2024 school year data.

Insurance products issued by Principal National Life Insurance Co (except in NY) and Principal Life Insurance Company®. Plan administrative services offered by Principal Life. Principal Funds, Inc. is distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, Inc. Securities are offered through Principal Securities, Inc., member SIPC, and/or independent broker/dealers. Referenced companies are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. ©2024 Principal Financial Services, Inc.

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