Turning Vision Into Impact: Marshalltown High School 9.5 Culminating Event with F&G

Image caption: Kicking off the 9.5 Culminating Event the best way, coffee, pastries, and great company. F&G and JA teams gathered at the student-run café inside the Orpheum, sharing a moment of connection before a day focused on student innovation and real-world impact. A perfect beginning powered by the Marshalltown Community School District!

Some moments don’t just make an impact; they change what is possible!

At the start of the school year, F&G made a transformational gift that brought 3DE to life in Central Iowa for the very first time. What began as a vision for immersive, real-world learning quickly became something real in Marshalltown High School, something students could experience and grow through. This wasn’t just an investment in a program. It was an investment in possibility, in potential and in students who are just beginning to discover what they are capable of.

Fast forward to the second semester, and that vision is coming to life at the 9.5 Culminating Event. For five weeks, students engaged in a real-world case challenge in partnership with F&G, exploring the question: How can F&G better communicate its volunteer benefits within the company?

Through teamwork, research and application of a communication model and effective messaging strategies, students stepped into the role of problem solvers and professionals. They analyzed, collaborated and delivered presentations that reflected both growth and determination.

Image caption: Students took the stage to present their solutions to a real-world challenge, showcasing their ideas, research, and creativity. Stepping into the role of professionals, they confidently answered the question and proved what’s possible when learning meets real impact.

These moments were made possible when F&G chose to invest in 3DE. Their $250,000 gift didn’t just launch a program – it created opportunities for students to think bigger, speak louder and see new possibilities for their futures.

“There were two moments that made me proud! The first was a presentation with an idea that F&G actually began incorporating after we designed this case study. It was proof that these students can tackle problems with ideas that are as dynamic and viable as those that our team members have,” reflected Rachel, F&G’s AVP Talent Manager and a volunteer with 3DE. “The other moment was watching a presentation with incredible visuals. Our F&G design team, which approves all our branding, would have been proud.”

We are deeply grateful to F&G for not only helping us launch 3DE in Marshalltown but continuing to show up for students through meaningful engagements like this case challenge. Their investment is already making a lasting difference.

This is what belief looks like in action. This is what happens when a community invests in its students. And this is only the beginning.