Partners for What's Next: Building Confidence, Careers and Community with RSM

What’s next? It’s the question being asked everywhere: in boardrooms navigating new technologies, across industries adapting to rapid change, in classrooms preparing students for careers that may not exist yet, and in the minds of young people wondering what their future will hold.

The world is changing quickly. The skills that will define tomorrow’s workforce continue to evolve, and the path to opportunity looks different with every passing year. While no one can predict exactly what the future will bring, we can help students prepare to meet it with confidence, curiosity, and the ability to adapt.

At Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, partnerships make that preparation possible. We are proud to recognize RSM US LLP as a valued partner in equipping the next generation with the knowledge, experiences, and confidence they need to navigate whatever comes next. Together, we are giving students opportunities to explore careers, solve real-world challenges, and discover possibilities they may have never imagined.

Through RSM’s investment and the dedication of its employees, thousands of students across Central Iowa are gaining more than classroom knowledge. They are building the skills, confidence, and mindset to shape their futures. Just as important, they are learning from professionals who show up, share their experiences, and help students see what is possible.

RSM’s support is creating meaningful, hands-on learning experiences for students across Central Iowa. It is more than an investment in programs; it is an investment in the moments that help students begin to see themselves differently.

It is students making important decisions for the first time. Students discovering new career pathways. Students gaining the confidence to ask questions, solve problems, and think differently about their futures.

Those experiences come to life through Junior Achievement’s high school instructional model, 3DE.

RSM’s investment is helping expand the reach of 3DE to three high schools across Central Iowa in the 2026–2027 school year, giving even more students access to an educational experience that prepares them for success beyond graduation. Through real-world business challenges, students collaborate with peers, engage with industry professionals, and apply classroom learning to real business problems. By connecting academics to the workplace, RSM helps students build the confidence, adaptability, and career-ready skills they will need to thrive in an ever-changing workforce.

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Image caption: RSM's Paul Wampler shared his expertise during the JA Stock Market Challenge Investment Hour, giving students valuable insights into investing, finance, and the real-world skills that can help shape their future careers.

During the 2025–2026 school year, RSM’s generous support also helped bring the JA Stock Market Challenge to life. In this immersive simulation, students step into the roles of investment professionals. Working in teams, they analyze market conditions, make strategic decisions, and respond to breaking news in real time.

The fast-paced experience challenges students to think critically, collaborate under pressure, and understand how economic events influence financial markets. RSM’s commitment extends beyond sponsorship. During the JA Stock Market Challenge Investment Hour, Paul Wampler, Senior Manager at RSM US LLP, shared his expertise as a panelist, giving students firsthand insight into the world of finance and demonstrating how the skills they are building today can translate into real-world careers tomorrow.

“The advice given by all the guest speakers was very thoughtful and well stated,” said a JA Stock Market Challenge student. “I learned about investing early and the importance of starting to invest young.”

Image caption: RSM volunteers brought their time, expertise, and encouragement to JA Finance Park, helping students build confidence and gain real-world skills that will prepare them for future success.

In addition to participating in the JA Stock Market Challenge Investment Hour panel, 31 RSM volunteers stepped into JA classrooms, JA BizTown, and JA Finance Park during the 2025–2026 school year to share their time, experience, and encouragement with students. The lessons they taught made careers feel attainable. The questions they answered and the stories they shared helped students see themselves in those careers.

For students, those interactions can be powerful. A volunteer’s encouragement can turn uncertainty into curiosity, and a real-world story can help a student imagine a path they had not considered before. That is the kind of impact RSM volunteers make through Junior Achievement.

“RSM exemplifies what it means to be a true community partner. Their investment, leadership, and volunteerism create meaningful experiences that help students build confidence in themselves and their futures,” said Ryan Osborn, JA of Central Iowa President.

Image caption: RSM's Dani Merfeld had the honor of swearing in the JA BizTown mayor, celebrating student leadership and empowering the next generation to step confidently into roles that build teamwork, responsibility, and community.

RSM’s commitment to preparing students for what is next continues through its support of the JA Golf Classic and participation in the JA Bowl-A-Thon. Through this involvement, RSM helps ensure even more students have access to JA’s hands-on learning experiences.

Beyond the classroom, RSM’s leadership on the JA Board of Directors and Emerging Leaders Board is helping guide the organization’s vision and future growth. Kylie Whitecotton, Partner at RSM, serves on the JA Board of Directors, and Dani Merfeld, Assurance Senior Manager, serves as Chair of the JA Emerging Leaders Board. Their leadership is invaluable and continues to expand the impact of Junior Achievement throughout Central Iowa.

“Preparing students for what’s next requires collaboration between education, business, and the community. Through our partnership with Junior Achievement, RSM is helping create experiences that give students the confidence, skills, and real-world perspective needed to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Together, we are investing in the future leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers of Central Iowa,” said JA Emerging Leaders Board  Chair, Dani Merfeld.

Every volunteer hour, every sponsorship, and every learning experience is an investment in a student’s future. Together, they add up to something much greater.

Behind every number is a student who discovered a new strength, found the confidence to pursue a goal, or began imagining a future they had not considered before.

When businesses invest in students, they invest in the future of their communities. Through its partnership with Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, RSM US LLP is helping thousands of young people answer the question, “What’s next?” with confidence, curiosity, and the belief that their best opportunities are still ahead.

We are grateful for RSM’s partnership, inspired by the passion of its employees, and proud to prepare students to thrive, together.