Our Blog
One Conversation Can Change a Future: JA Career Inspire Connects Students with What’s Next
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
JA Career Inspire brings students and local businesses together through hands-on career exploration that opens doors to new possibilities. This fall, thousands of Eastern Iowa students will discover career pathways, build connections, and begin envisioning what's possible for their...
Celebrating Leadership. Inspiring What’s Next: 2026 Corridor Business Hall of Fame
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
On Thursday, September 24, 2026, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa will celebrate four outstanding Eastern Iowa business leaders at the 2026 Corridor Business Hall of Fame at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar...
One Million Students. Countless Possibilities Ahead.
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
The 2025–26 school year marked a historic milestone for Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa as we surpassed one million students served in 60 years. It was also a year of tremendous growth, reaching more students through expanded programming, experiential learning, 3DE, and signature events across Eastern Iowa. Powered by educators, volunteers, businesses, and community partners, we're creating...
Building Brighter Futures: How Junior Achievement Is Improving Economic Mobility for Eastern Iowa Students
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Economic mobility is about creating opportunities. It means helping young people gain the knowledge, experiences, confidence, and connections they need to build successful futures, regardless of where they start. At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, that belief drives everything we...
Leadership in Action: Meet Ben Hektoen
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is proud to welcome Ben Hektoen to the Corridor Community Impact Board.
As Operations Manager at New Leader Manufacturing, Ben understands the importance of preparing today's students for tomorrow's workforce. His experience leading teams, improving operations, and developing talent gives him a unique perspective on the skills young people need to succeed after...
She’s Helping Students See Careers They Never Knew Existed: Jamie Bateman’s JA Story
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Jamie Bateman, Senior Manager of Operations at CRST, volunteers with to help students explore careers in trucking, supply chain, and logistics through hands-on learning...
One JA Experience Changed Her Future — Now Danica Wilcox Is Helping Shape the Next Generation
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Danica Wilcox knows firsthand the impact Junior Achievement can have on a student’s future. After participating in JA as an 8th grader, she was inspired to pursue a career in business and...
Welcoming Samantha Klaren to Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Please join us in welcoming Samantha Klaren to the Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa team as our new Curriculum...
Opening Doors to Possibility: Celebrating Dr. Danielle Riney
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
It started with one teacher who saw her potential. Today, Dr. Danielle Riney is opening doors for the next generation—helping students explore possibilities and see what’s...
From Learning to Earning: How Skills Build the Foundation for Economic Growth
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
For today’s students, the journey from learning to earning is more complex than ever before. A rapidly evolving economy shaped by technological innovation, shifting workforce demands, and new career pathways requires more than academic knowledge alone. It requires a strong foundation of skills that can translate into real-world success. We believe that building these skills early is essential not...
