Meet Zahir
A hands-on learning opportunity helped Zahir explore the skilled trades—and ultimately launch his career. After demonstrating his talent and work ethic with Allensworth Heating and Cooling, he turned his work-based learning experience into a full-time position. Read Zahir’s story and see how connecting students with employers can create lasting opportunities.
Teaching Through Service: Karla Lilly
At iJAG, preparing students for the future goes beyond career exploration and employability skills. It’s also about helping young people discover their purpose, connect with their communities, and understand the impact they can make. iJAG Career Education Specialist Karla Lilly is bringing those lessons to life through service.
iJAG Recognizes Outstanding Leadership, Partnership and Student Impact at Back to School Summit
iJAG celebrated exceptional leadership, employer partnership, and service to students during its Back-to-School Summit awards event on Monday, August 10, 2026. The event recognized National JAG award recipients: Principal Financial Group® and Tom Willoughby (iJAG Program Manager at Principal®), and Sarah Richardson (iJAG Board Chair and owner of Barker Apartments in Iowa City). Denis Scott from John Deere and Moesha Flake, iJAG Career Education Specialist at Maquoketa Middle School were also recognized.
From Iowa to the Nation: Aralyn Anaya Elected National 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.
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.