Partners for What's Next: Celebrating our partnership with the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

Image caption: Third-grade students from Des Moines Public Schools explore key life and career skills through a Junior Achievement classroom activity. The curriculum kit, provided free to schools through the generous support of the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, helps prepare students for what's next.

Strong partnerships create a strong workforce, and the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services continues to demonstrate what it means to invest in the next generation. For the second year in a row, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services has played a pivotal role in expanding Junior Achievement’s impact across Central Iowa, helping prepare students with the essential skills and experience needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

To date, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services has contributed more than $269,000 in support of JA's mission. Through their generous support, JA Classroom Programs have reached more than 13,800 students across 90 schools, delivering experiences that help young people become confident, capable, and connected today.

Image caption: As part of JA BizTown In-A-Day, Heather Kriener, Financial Literacy Director at the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, administers the oath of office to the student mayor, reinforcing the importance of leadership and civic engagement.

In addition to helping us reach more classrooms through our K-5 programs, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services brings learning to life through JA BizTown In-A-Day, our summer extension of the JA BizTown experience. As the presenting sponsor, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services helps students step into the roles of business leaders, employees, and citizens, giving them the opportunity to experience firsthand what it means to run a business, contribute to a community, and manage personal finances.

Designed to extend the reach of our signature JA experience, JA BizTown In-A-Day provides even more young people, whether returning visitors or first-time participants, with the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork and decision-making skills in a realistic setting. Made possible by the generous support of the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, the program represents a meaningful investment in the next generation and ensures more students have access to one of JA’s most impactful learning experiences.

One of the highlights of this summer’s program came when Heather Kriener, Financial Literacy Director at the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, had the honor of swearing in the student mayor during two of the days at JA BizTown In-A-Day. The memorable moment added an extra layer of authenticity to the experience and reinforced the importance of civic leadership and community Involvement.

“JA BizTown helped me understand the workings of a real job I or someone else might have in the future,” said a JA BizTown student.

As a dedicated workforce partner, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services is investing in the next generation of leaders and ensuring students are prepared for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. Their commitment helps young people develop critical thinking, collaboration, communication and decision-making skills that will serve them throughout their lives.

“We are grateful to the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services for their investment in Iowa students and their commitment to preparing the next generation for future success,” said Rachael Haaland, JA’s Director of Experiential Learning Centers. “Their partnership helps ensure that more young people have access to meaningful, hands-on learning experiences that build confidence and essential life skills." 

To everyone at the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, thank you for your extraordinary partnership and commitment to our students. Your support has opened doors, inspired young people and created opportunities that will have a lasting impact for years to come. We are honored to work alongside you and extend our most heartfelt thank you for helping prepare students for what’s next.