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Volunteer Spotlight: Jeff Niemeier
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Jeff Niemeier is an entrepreneur and real estate investor who volunteers with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa to help students build financial literacy and real-world decision-making skills. Through programs like JA BizTown® Mobile, JA Finance Park® Mobile, and classroom lessons, Jeff brings hands-on learning to life—helping students understand money, work, and the choices that shape their...
Volunteer Spotlight: Cindy Stier
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Cindy Stier has been a dedicated Junior Achievement volunteer for more than 12 years, sharing her passion for financial education with students across Eastern Iowa. A Bank Manager at First Interstate Bank, board chair with ImpactCR, and mom of two, Cindy brings real-world experience into the classroom and helps students build confidence in money, careers, and community. Her energy, creativity, and...
Alumni Spotlight: Doug Alberhasky
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Doug Alberhasky is a lifelong entrepreneur, community leader, and Junior Achievement alum whose journey began in a JA after-school program during high school. From leading student companies to building and managing multiple businesses—including John’s Grocery—Doug credits Junior Achievement with shaping his leadership skills, business mindset, and commitment to giving back. With more than 40 years...
MEET HALEY ROSENDAHL, OUR NEW DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Please help us welcome Haley Rosendahl, who joined Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa on December 10, 2025, as our new Development...
Foundation Spotlight: Carleen & Eugene Charitable Foundation Invests in Education for What’s Next
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) is honored to shine a spotlight on the Carleen and Eugene Charitable Foundation—an organization whose commitment to education, financial literacy, and opportunity continues to shape brighter futures for students across our region. Their recent support strengthens the real-world learning experiences that empower young people to build confidence, explore...
3DE™ Student Spotlight: Landon Staab
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
When Prairie High School sophomore Landon Staab walked into his first 3DE™ class during the second semester of 9th grade, he didn’t yet know how much the experience would shape his confidence, communication, and outlook on the future. Today, he’s known as a reliable leader, a thoughtful teammate, and a student who continues to raise the bar for himself and those around...
F&M Bank Volunteers Make Real-World Learning Come Alive for Students
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
For more than 15 years, F&M Bank has been investing in the future of Eastern Iowa—one classroom at a time. What started in 2010, when President & CEO Nate Dunn was invited to join the local Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) board, has grown into a powerful culture of volunteerism that runs throughout the entire...
Empowering Young Innovators: How JA Sparks the Entrepreneurial Mindset Early
By Cathy Essick
Entrepreneurship
In a world where careers, industries, and technology are evolving faster than ever, today’s students need more than traditional learning to prepare for what comes next. They need the confidence, capability, competence, and connections that help them think creatively, solve problems, and recognize opportunity. That’s why Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is committed to nurturing the...
Staff Spotlight: Colene Stauffer, Education Coordinator
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is thrilled to spotlight Colene Stauffer, who joined our Education team in August as an Education Coordinator! Though she’s only been with JAEI a short time, Colene already brings a warm, mission-driven passion to her role—supporting volunteers and educators as they create enriching, hands-on learning experiences for students across Eastern...
2024–2025 Annual Report: A Year of Impact and Momentum
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
We are proud to share Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s 2024–2025 Annual Report—a snapshot of the incredible impact our volunteers, educators, partners, and supporters made possible this...
