iJAG is Empowering Communities Through Career Pathways and Work-Based Learning

Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG), the statewide leader in bridging education and the workplace, is seeking community wide investment in helping students discover, plan and prepare for careers through pathway exploration and work-based learning opportunities. By doing so, we can strengthen workforce development with a more skilled workforce and boost our local economies — both of which strengthen Iowa’s communities, metro and rural alike.

iJAG’s Career Development Conference (CDC) — a highly anticipated statewide event — is fast approaching! This year’s CDC is Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at the Scheman Building at Iowa State University for more than 400 11th and 12th grade students. The event will focus on career exploration and professional development through employer-led workshops, networking opportunities, a career fair with over 100 business partner volunteers and competitive events to showcase the skills they have developed throughout the year in the classroom and through work-based learning experiences.

Each competitive event challenges students in various subject areas, including soft skills, presentation abilities and professionalism. Whether competing individually or as a team, students work closely with iJAG Specialists and employer mentors to prepare for the event. Competition categories include: Prepared Speaking, Mock Interviews, Business Plan, Presentations, Career Preparation, Employability Skills, Creative Decision-Making, Financial Literacy and Community Service Projects.

Students who win first place in their competitions will advance to the JAG National Career Development Conference (NCDC) in Indianapolis, Indiana. Only around 300 of JAG’s 95,000 students nationwide qualify for NCDC each year, where they compete at a national level and engage in life-changing experiences.

Student Career Association is a fundamental part of JAG programming and our CDC event, which our State Association leaders — Zeke Christensen, Lexi Vazquez, Adriana Jimenez and Samiah Hayslett — will be hosting this year’s event. These associations provide opportunities for students to develop teamwork and employability, communication and leadership skills in an environment that encourages respectful and confident idea-sharing.

Each local iJAG program is guided by a Career Association that champions community service initiatives. Additionally, the iJAG State Career Association implements a statewide plan of action, ensuring all iJAG students are actively involved in meaningful civic and community service efforts.

Get Engaged

Encourage your business to take the first step in partnering with iJAG to build the future. Here are a few ways to get started:

• Attend Iowa’s Career Development Conference (CDC) on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at Iowa State University in Ames. CDC is the state’s premier student leadership event designed to help students network with employers, explore career pathways through workshops and participate in competitions that challenge their soft skills, presentation abilities and professionalism. Click here to get involved.
  • Sponsor
  • Host a career booth
• Keep it easy and send us an email. Let’s have a conversation about building your talent pipeline, supporting internal employee engagement programs, driving jobs in your industry plus so much more.
• Get involved with your local iJAG classroom(s). iJAG gives your organization the ability to mentor future-ready Iowa leaders and build workforce strategies that benefit you, youth and the community. Click here to find your local classroom.
• Investing in career preparation and work-based learning initiatives benefits not only individuals but also entire communities. By strengthening workforce development, these programs help reduce dependence on public assistance, boost local economic activity and build a more skilled workforce. Partnerships between educational institutions, employers and community organizations play a vital role in expanding career opportunities, particularly for opportunity youth.

CDC major sponsors include Apollo Opportunity Foundation, John Deere Foundation, Principal Financial Group Foundation, and The Wellmark Foundation. Gold sponsors include Alliant Energy, AT&T Foundation, Hy-Vee Foundation, MidAmerican Energy Company, Regions Bank Foundation, and RTX/Collins Aerospace. Silver sponsors are Community State Bank and Sammons Financial Group.

Learn more about iJAG by watching the video below:

Job opportunities and career resources are abundant in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Whether you're looking to find an internship, a job, develop professionally or grow as a student, we have the resources to help you thrive.