A- A+

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 program will introduce youth to professional skills that will increase their knowledge and confidence. Attendees will be inspired by nationally recognized keynote speakers, develop their professional skills and network with interns and business professionals from across the region.

Program Details

The program will run over six weeks and meet every Friday. Participants in the program will receive a stipend for the events they attend, but registration and parent/guardian permission are required.

Some of the topic areas the program will focus on:

Professional Presence and Communication
Time and Stress Management
Personal Finance and Goal Setting

Program enhancements in 2025 include weekly free lunches, a college expo, a career fair, mock interviews and a behind-the-scenes tour at Principal®.

Programming for the first five weeks will be on Fridays from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Principal®, with an optional lunch starting at Noon. The celebration event on Friday, July 25 will go from Noon – 2 p.m.

In 2025, the program will expand to include two additional communities, Cedar Rapids and Pella, which will utilize the curriculum and participate in livestream sessions. Residents of these communities who are interested in registering or learning more should contact Lexi Shafer directly.

Schedule of Events

Friday, June 13:

Breakout Session Topics: Demonstrating Leadership through Professional Presence, Communication & Active Listening and Career Lessons Learned
Keynote Speaker: Izaah Knox, Executive Director of Urban Dreams
Keynote Session Title: Creating a Legacy in Motion: The Network, the Grind and the Power of Showing Up

Friday, June 20:

Breakout Session Topics: Showcase Your Strengths: Building a Resume and Professional Portfolio, Attitude + Effort = Improvement
Professional Networking Event
Professional Speed Networking Event led by Entrepreneur and Author, Lisa Even

Friday, June 27:

Breakout Session Topics: Interview Like a Pro: Tips for Impressing Every Time, Building the Habits for Excellence
College Expo
Keynote Speaker: Erik Dominguez, Speaker, Trainer, Coach
Keynote Session Title: Speak Easy: Art and Science of Confident Communication

Friday, July 11:

Breakout Session Topics: From Chaos to Calm: Time & Stress Management, Mastering Care-Frontation
Career Fair
Keynote Speaker: Kristin Economos, Owner and Founder of Life Skills Launch
Keynote Title: Back to Basics: Mental & Emotional Wellness

Friday, July 18:

Breakout Sessions Topics: Personal Finance, Foundations for Goal Achievement
Mock Interviews & Business Tour
Keynote Speaker: Travis Shelton, Financial Coach, Speaker, Writer, Entrepreneur and Host of the "Meaning Over Money" Podcast
Keynote Session Title: Money Made Simple

Friday, July 26:

Celebration Luncheon and Certificate Ceremony
Keynote Speaker: Ardis Kelley, CPA, Interim CEO of the Iowa Society of CPAs
Keynote Session Title: This is Your Time

Have any questions? Contact Lexi Shafer, Director of Workforce at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, for more information.

After registering, if you are 18, complete the permission form linked below, if under 18, have a parent/guardian complete the permission form linked below.

Parent/Guardian Permission Form

The Career Ready Collective is funded by the Legacy Project, a fundraising initiative of the Principal^® Charity Classic with support from Sammons Financial. To learn more about how you or your organization can support the Legacy Project please contact Principal Charity Classic staff at info@principalcharityclassic.com.