Partners for Impact: Growing Confidence, Skills and Futures with John Deere Financial

Image caption: Inside the JA BizTown John Deere Financial storefront, students gain real-world experience as they lead a business, solve challenges and work together as a team.

Every person has experienced a moment where learning just clicked. Sometimes that moment comes in the form of a lesson, sometimes it’s a hands-on experience and sometimes it’s simply meeting the right person.

These moments rarely happen by accident. They happen because people, schools and businesses come together to create opportunities for students. That’s why partnerships matter.

For years, John Deere Financial has been a valued partner with Junior Achievement of Central Iowa. Helping connect classroom learning to real-life opportunities. Together, we’re giving young people the confidence, skills and experiences they need to imagine and prepare for what’s next. Their futures.

John Deere Financial’s partnership shines within JA BizTown. They have continued to be storefront sponsors. Inside their storefront, JA BizTown students step into the role of CEO, CFO, Product Manager and Sales Manager and learn firsthand what it takes to run a business, work as a team and make important decisions. What seems like a fun field trip often becomes a glimpse into how the real world works.

“As we’re gearing up to celebrate the 25th anniversary of JA BizTown, we’re reflecting on thousands of students who have discovered their potential,” said Rachael Haaland, JA’s Director of Experiential Learning Centers. “Partners like John Deere Financial have helped make those experiences possible, giving students the confidence to lead, solve problems and see themselves in future careers.”

Image caption: A John Deere Financial volunteer serves as a Stock Trader during the JA Stock Market Challenge, helping students put their investment knowledge into action.

With John Deere Financial’s partnership, the learning doesn’t stop there.

Through their sponsorship of a JA Finance Park pod and JA Classroom Programs, John Deere Financial helps students connect classroom learning to the real world. From building a budget in JA Finance Park to hearing firsthand from volunteers about their careers, students are discovering new possibilities while developing the financial and workplace skills they'll carry with them long after they leave the classroom.

As the Host Sponsor of the JA Stock Market Challenge, John Deere Financial provides a platform for students to dive deeper into the world of investing. During the JA Stock Market Challenge Investment Hour, students hear directly from industry professionals about investing, financial decision-making, and career paths. Those conversations make the future feel a little more tangible, showing students that the concepts they’re learning about today can become tomorrow’s opportunities.

“The advice given by all of the guest speakers was very thoughtful and well stated,” said one JA Stock Market Challenge student. “It was very fun; we learned a lot of new tips that will help us get started on our future investments,” said another student.

Throughout the 2025-2026 year, John Deere Financial's investment in JA of Central Iowa has reached more than 33,500 students, creating hands-on experiences that bridge the gap between education and the workforce. Students may be managing a business in JA BizTown or learning from business leaders in their classrooms, all while developing skills that will serve them wherever life takes them.

John Deere Financial’s partnership extends far beyond just a sponsorship. John Deere Financial employees are helping bring these JA programs to life. Chad Volkert's leadership on the JA Board of Directors and his involvement as an Investment Hour panelist reflect the company's commitment to preparing Iowa's future workforce. Alongside him, 59 John Deere Financial employees have volunteered their time in JA programs, sharing their experiences and encouraging students to think bigger about what's possible.

Image caption: After sharing his insights during the JA Stock Market Challenge Investment Hour, Chad Volkert, JA Board Member and John Deere Financial leader, continues the conversation with students, answering questions and inspiring the next generation of leaders.

For many students, John Deere Financial volunteers are more than presenters. They're mentors, role models, and possibly some of the first professionals to show them what a career can look like. By sharing their own journeys and answering students' questions, they help make future careers feel achievable instead of distant.

“Our partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Iowa reflects John Deere Financial’s commitment to investing in the next generation,” said Chad Volkert. “Through years of volunteerism, donations and hosting the JA Stock Market Challenge, we’ve helped create meaningful learning opportunities, and it has been especially rewarding for me to participate in JA Finance Park and the JA Stock Market Challenge Investment Hour and witness students’ enthusiasm for financial literacy.”

When education and business come together, incredible things happen. Together, with John Deere Financial, we are providing students with experiences that help them see the relevance of school, build durable skills, and access choice-filled futures.

We are grateful for John Deere Financial's continued partnership and shared commitment to helping students prepare for what's next and giving them the skills and confidence to pursue it.