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Empowering Futures: : Wells Fargo and JA, Nearly 20 Years Strong!
By Seherzada Devedzic
Corporate Responsibility
For nearly 20 years, Wells Fargo has partnered with Junior Achievement to prepare Central Iowa students for bright futures through programs like JA BizTown and JA Finance Park. Their support includes vital funding, nearly 170 volunteers in the 2024-2025 school year, and leadership at the board level, with past Board President Marta Codina and new board member Laura Howe. Together, Wells Fargo’s...
Empowering Futures: F&G Partners with Junior Achievement to Reimagine Education
By Seherzada Devedzic
Community Involvement
F&G is a key partner of Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, supporting programs that prepare students for success. This year, F&G helped launch 3DE at Marshalltown High School, the first in Central Iowa, bringing real-world business challenges into classrooms. Beyond funding, F&G employees volunteer in JA programs like BizTown and Finance Park, serving as mentors and role models. We’re also...
Empowering Futures: Thank You to John Deere Financial
By Seherzada Devedzic
Community Involvement
We’re proud to celebrate more than 15 years of partnership with John Deere Financial, whose sponsorship, volunteerism, and leadership have empowered thousands of Central Iowa students through programs like JA BizTown, JA Finance Park, the JA Stock Market Challenge, and JA Job Shadow. Their commitment truly demonstrates the power of corporate partnerships in shaping brighter...
3DE by Junior Achievement Launches in Marshalltown
By Seherzada Devedzic
Corporate Responsibility
Big news for Central Iowa! Marshalltown High School is the first in the region to launch 3DE by Junior Achievement, starting with 9th grade students this fall.
Through real-world case challenges with partners like F&G, MARSHALLTOWN, Mechdyne, Arby’s Foundation, Valera and Delta Airlines, students will build problem-solving, teamwork, and career-ready skills while earning the JA Essential Work...
Students Are Asking: “Why Are We Learning This?”— And That’s a Good Thing
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
If you've spent time in a classroom recently, you've probably heard a student ask:
“Why are we learning this?”
At first, it might sound like defiance or disinterest. But in reality, it’s one of the most important questions a student can ask—because it signals a desire for meaning, relevance, and connection. And in today’s world, those elements are essential to authentic learning.
The good...
Inside the 2025 JA Rising Women Workshop
By Seherzada Devedzic
Community Involvement
This summer, over 30 motivated young women joined the 2025 JA Rising Women Workshop, presented by Starbucks, for a powerful day of inspiration and growth. Through keynote speeches, breakout sessions, and a dynamic panel of female leaders, participants gained valuable insights into high-growth careers, authentic confidence, and professional...
Back to School: Are Teens Being Left Behind on AI?
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
As students head back to the classroom this fall, new insights from Junior Achievement reveal a growing disconnect between the skills today’s teens need and what they’re learning in school. In a recent national survey conducted by Big Village for Junior Achievement, 64% of teens (ages 13–17) said they are not using AI as a learning tool at school. This comes at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping...
Empowering Futures: Thank You to the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services
By Seherzada Devedzic
Community Involvement
This school year, Junior Achievement of Central Iowa proudly recognized the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services as our 2024–2025 Company of the Year for their incredible support of youth education. Their generous investment made it possible to deliver over 645 K–5 classroom kits and fully underwrite five days of JA BizTown In-A-Day summer...
Unlocking the Power of Experiential Learning: Preparing Students for the Future of Work
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, traditional classroom instruction alone is no longer enough. Employers increasingly seek individuals with not just technical knowledge, but also adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. This is where experiential learning steps in, and why Junior Achievement (JA) plays a vital role in reshaping how young people...
JA Workforce with State Farm
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
Starting a career can be daunting, especially when faced with crucial decisions and additional challenges such as growing up in foster care, single parenting, or other significant life hurdles. In these situations, support becomes even more...
