“iJAG x Variety_Student-Instructor VR Exercise” – iJAG Director of Growth & Partnerships Marcus Lunning guides a student through a career exploration exercise using virtual reality (VR) technology – made possible through a grant from Variety.
“iJAG x Variety_Student VR Experience” – Thanks to a recent grant from Variety, iJAG students across more than 200 programs statewide can experience career education through self-guided virtual reality (VR) – a method that supports various learning styles and wellness needs.
iJAG Receives Grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa for Innovative Career Learning Solutions
Statewide nonprofit organizations leverage grant funding to introduce Virtual Reality (VR) headsets in select iJAG classrooms to adapt support to the varied needs of students
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) announces it has received a grant from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa (Variety) for innovative career learning solutions. The statewide nonprofit organizations leverage grant funding to introduce Virtual Reality (VR) headsets in select iJAG classrooms to adapt and support the ever-changing needs of students.
The grant allowed for the purchase of eight VR headsets, which provide an alternative method for iJAG students to explore and perform real, job-related responsibilities in a safe and controlled environment, providing real-time feedback. This interactive, hands-on learning format also promotes emotional wellness through individualized, self-guided exercises.
“The VR headsets are great because they allow us to bring the career into the classroom,” said Sadie Nymeyer, career education specialist at Saydel High School. She also shared that career exploration field trips are a great way to get into the community, but there are often transportation barriers or, in some cases, safety restrictions for actual hands-on activities. “Having the headsets solves that challenge and gives students the sense of what a career can look like in a safe and controlled environment,” added Nymeyer.
“At iJAG, we pride ourselves on our ability to serve the unique and varied needs of student learners,” said Dr. Wendy Mihm-Herold, President & CEO for iJAG. “Thanks to Variety’s special grant funding and partnership, we are able to evolve the way we support the academic, personal, and professional development of students. Together, we’re continuing to unlock the next generation of leaders in our communities and workplaces.”
iJAG is a statewide leader in career development that partners with school districts to deliver in-school programming centered around leadership, skills development, and career planning. iJAG shares Variety’s commitment to technology innovation and inclusive learning.
About Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG)
iJAG is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation that partners with Iowa school districts to deliver in-school career development programming for students in grades 6-12 that features leadership training, work-based learning, employer engagement, and individualized guidance. Thanks to support from public and private donors, iJAG builds future-ready leaders who are equipped with the necessary skills and experiences to enter Iowa’s dynamic workforce. iJAG’s employer-centric programming is proven to increase student attendance, academic performance, and engagement that leads to graduation and connectivity to employment, education, military enlistment, or entrepreneurship. For the 2025-2026 school year, iJAG is projected to serve more than 11,000 middle school and high school students across more than 200 programs statewide.
About Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa (Variety)
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa is dedicated to improving the lives of children who are underprivileged, at-risk, critically ill, or living with special needs. Grant funding is provided to programs and initiatives that directly impact the well-being of children in our community. For more information on Variety grants and programs, visit varietyiowa.com.