When: TBD
Where: TBA
Celebrating Young People Who Are Making a Difference
JA 18 Under 18 will recognize 18 young people for their leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, service, dedication and character. The program is designed to shine a spotlight on students who are taking initiative, pursuing their ideas, demonstrating compassion and a strong work ethic, and making a difference—whether that impact is happening in the classroom, through a business or entrepreneurial venture, on a team, through volunteer service, or within their community.
The program reflects Junior Achievement’s belief that young people have the potential to make a meaningful impact today while developing the skills, confidence and mindset they will carry into the future.
Who Can Be Nominated?
To be eligible for JA 18 Under 18, nominees must:
Live in or attend school in Iowa or Johnson County
Be at least 12 years old and under age 18, OR 18 years old and currently enrolled in high school
Have participated in at least one Junior Achievement experience or program
Parents, educators, coaches, employers, mentors, community members and others who know an outstanding young person are encouraged to submit a nomination.
How Honorees Will Be Selected
Following the close of nominations, members of Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s Iowa City Area Board of Directors will review eligible nominations and select the inaugural JA 18 Under 18 honorees. The review process will consider each nominee’s accomplishments, leadership, initiative, character and impact on their school, organization or community.
Eighteen young people will be selected for recognition and honored at a special event in spring 2027.
Nominate an Outstanding Young Person
Nominations are open now through December 20, 2026.
Know a young person whose leadership, ideas, compassion, dedication or service deserve to be recognized? Help us celebrate the next generation of leaders by nominating them for JA 18 Under 18.
The inaugural JA 18 Under 18 program will celebrate the remarkable things young people are already accomplishing—and remind our communities just how much potential exists in the next generation.
Questions about JA 18 Under 18 may be directed to Emma Disterhoft at edisterhoft@jaeasterniowa.org or 319-862-1100.
JA 18 Under 18 will recognize 18 young people for their leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, service, dedication and character. The program is designed to shine a spotlight on students who are taking initiative, pursuing their ideas, demonstrating compassion and a strong work ethic, and making a difference—whether that impact is happening in the classroom, through a business or entrepreneurial venture, on a team, through volunteer service, or within their community.
The program reflects Junior Achievement’s belief that young people have the potential to make a meaningful impact today while developing the skills, confidence and mindset they will carry into the future.
Who Can Be Nominated?
To be eligible for JA 18 Under 18, nominees must:
Live in or attend school in Iowa or Johnson County
Be at least 12 years old and under age 18, OR 18 years old and currently enrolled in high school
Have participated in at least one Junior Achievement experience or program
Parents, educators, coaches, employers, mentors, community members and others who know an outstanding young person are encouraged to submit a nomination.
How Honorees Will Be Selected
Following the close of nominations, members of Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s Iowa City Area Board of Directors will review eligible nominations and select the inaugural JA 18 Under 18 honorees. The review process will consider each nominee’s accomplishments, leadership, initiative, character and impact on their school, organization or community.
Eighteen young people will be selected for recognition and honored at a special event in spring 2027.
Nominate an Outstanding Young Person
Nominations are open now through December 20, 2026.
Know a young person whose leadership, ideas, compassion, dedication or service deserve to be recognized? Help us celebrate the next generation of leaders by nominating them for JA 18 Under 18.
The inaugural JA 18 Under 18 program will celebrate the remarkable things young people are already accomplishing—and remind our communities just how much potential exists in the next generation.
Questions about JA 18 Under 18 may be directed to Emma Disterhoft at edisterhoft@jaeasterniowa.org or 319-862-1100.
Sponsors
18 Under 18 Presenting Sponsor
18 Under 18 Impact Partner Sponsor
18 Under 18 Mission Partner Sponsor
18 Under 18 Student Sponsor
18 Under 18 Table Sponsor
Become a Sponsor!
Sponsorships for these events are critical for Junior Achievement to continue providing life-changing programs to students in our community. These programs are delivered at no cost to students. You can make a difference in the lives of these students by participating in this world-class event!
Contact us to get more information on how to sponsor a JA Event!
Get Involved with Junior Achievement!
Select a button below to see how you or your organization can get involved with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, Inc..
