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The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective Prepares for Another Summer of Impact with New Program Dates and Curriculum

January 28, 2025

GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Jan 28, 2025) – Community partners have announced the program dates and curriculum for the second year of The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective. 

The Career Ready Collective is a community-driven, career development program to prepare youth for the future of work. The Career Ready Collective is funded by the Principal Charity Classic’s Legacy Project with support from Sammons Financial. The primary objective of the Career Ready Collective is to introduce youth to a variety of professional skills that will increase their knowledge and confidence. Participants will be inspired by nationally recognized keynote speakers, develop their professional skills and network with interns and business professionals from across the region. The curriculum and program have been developed by The Partnership with support from The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. 

Career Ready Collective's program will run for six weeks, meeting on Fridays between June – July. 

The session topics are:  

  • June 13: Strengthening your Professional Presence, Communication and Active Listening  
  • June 20: Building a Resume and Professional Portfolio, Attitude + Effort = Improvement 
  • June 27: Tips for Impressing Every Time, Habits for Excellence 
  • July 11: Time and Stress Management, Mastering Care-Frontation 
  • July 18: Personal Finance, Foundations for Goal Achievement 
  • July 25: Celebration Luncheon, Certificate Ceremony and Small Group Reflection 

The Career Ready Collective programming aligns with the goals of The Partnership’s DSM Workforce Collaborative as they share the common goal of enhancing workforce readiness through professional development and work-based learning experiences. Both the Collaborative and Career Ready Collective emphasize the importance of equipping youth and professionals with the skills and resources necessary to thrive in today's dynamic job market. Additionally, both empower individuals with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in their future careers and contribute positively to the economic growth of the Great Des Moines region. 

“We are thrilled to kick off the second year of the Career Ready Collective program and continue building on the momentum from last summer,” said Lexi Shafer, Director of Workforce at The Partnership. “This year’s curriculum is designed to further empower our community’s youth, equipping them with valuable skills and knowledge as they explore potential career paths in the Greater Des Moines region.” 

“We are excited for the return of The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective. This program embodies Principal Charity Classic’s mission of improving the lives of Iowa youth. We are looking forward to seeing this new curriculum come to life this summer, and, more importantly, how Iowa youth will use it to shape their futures,” said Jo Christine Miles, director, Principal® Foundation and Principal Community Relations. 

To learn more about how you or your organization can support the Career Ready Collective, and how youth can get involved, please contact Lexi Shafer, Director of Workforce, The Partnership, at lshafer@DSMpartnership.com. 

Learn more about keynote speakers and breakout topics by visiting The Partnership’s website. 

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership  
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 24 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,500 Regional Business Members and more than 400 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com. 

About Principal Charity Classic 
Golf Charitable Foundation of Greater Des Moines, operating as Principal Charity Classic, is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) organization focused on providing philanthropic support to youth serving programs across the State of Iowa. While Principal Charity Classic receives funding from Principal Financial Group® and Principal® Foundation, Principal Charity Classic is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. 4189187-012025