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Staff Spotlight: Heather Henning – Bringing Career Exploration to Life
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Heather Henning, Regional Experiential Learning Coordinator at JAEI, brings over 20 years of youth development experience to her role, leading impactful career readiness programs like JA Career Inspire®. With a global background and a passion for hands-on learning, Heather works year-round to connect students with real-world opportunities. Outside of work, she enjoys life on her family’s acreage...
Educator Spotlight: Becca Carrothers – Creating Classrooms Kids Can't Wait to Enter
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
In this Educator Spotlight, we meet Becca Carrothers, a 6th-grade teacher at Alburnett Community Schools and proud JA alum. Becca shares how Junior Achievement programs like JA BizTown® Mobile and JA It’s My Future® have helped her students build real-world skills, form meaningful peer connections, and grow in confidence. With a passion for creating memorable learning experiences, Becca is shaping...
Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership: Erin Kurt
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
On May 16th, we proudly celebrated a major milestone—Erin Kurt’s 20th anniversary with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa! Since 2005, Erin has been a driving force behind the growth and evolution of JAEI, serving in numerous leadership capacities and currently holding the role of Executive Vice...
A First for Iowa: The JA Dream Accelerator™ Coming to Iowa City Community School District
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
The Iowa City Community School District is preparing to launch the JA Dream Accelerator™—the first of its kind in Iowa and only the second in the nation. This hands-on, career exploration experience will empower 9th-grade students to discover their strengths, explore real-world career paths, and develop a vision for their futures. Integrated directly into the school curriculum, the Dream...
Celebrating Business Excellence: 2025 Corridor & Cedar Valley Business Hall of Fame Honorees Announced
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is proud to announce the 2025 Corridor and Cedar Valley Business Hall of Fame honorees—celebrating distinguished leaders who have shaped the economic and social fabric of Eastern Iowa. These annual black-tie events spotlight laureates and entrepreneurs whose integrity, innovation, and community commitment continue to inspire the next generation.
The Corridor...
Finish Strong: Help Us Empower the Next Generation
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is celebrating a year of impact, having reached over 41,000 students with hands-on programs in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. With 3,100 students still unfunded, the blog highlights how community support—just $72.06 per student—can ensure continued access to these real-world learning...
Helping Students Graduate with Confidence—and Credentials
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is now offering the JA Essential Work Skills Credential—a state-recognized program that equips high school students with critical workplace skills while helping districts meet Work-Based Learning and Postsecondary Readiness requirements. Backed by the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Workforce Development, this turnkey solution prepares students for success...
Top 5 Skills Every Young Entrepreneur Should Build Now
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Entrepreneurship
Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business or just want to think more like a boss, building the right skill set is key. From navigating challenges to managing money, the most successful entrepreneurs are constantly learning, adapting, and...
Teacher Spotlight: Kristal Horman
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Second grade teacher Kristal Horman from Echo Hill Elementary has been inspiring students for 23 years with her passion for fun, engaging learning. In this spotlight, she shares how Junior Achievement lessons—especially those focused on teamwork and careers—help her students connect classroom learning to the real world. From catchy rap songs to pizza-making challenges, Kristal brings JA to life in...
Staff Spotlight: Katie Langrehr, Experiential Learning Director
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Get to know Katie Langrehr, JAEI’s Experiential Learning Director, and the driving force behind many of our hands-on student programs. From career fairs to JA BizTown® Mobile, Katie shares how her journey with JA began, why she’s passionate about early financial education, and the powerful moments that keep her inspired. Read her story and learn how you can get involved in supporting JA’s...
