Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa

Author: Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Published: Monday, 14 Apr 2025

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Image caption: Darius Ballard in action at Johnson STEAM Academy, inspiring young innovators and fueling curiosity one volunteer session at a time.

April is National Volunteer Month, and at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), we’re taking time to celebrate the incredible individuals who give their time, energy, and expertise to help prepare students for brighter futures.

To show our appreciation, we’re hosting weekly gift card giveaways throughout April. Every volunteer who has supported a Junior Achievement (JA) program during the 2024–25 school year is automatically entered. Each week, one lucky name will be drawn to receive a gift card to a local business—a small token of our immense gratitude.

Volunteers are essential to the success of JA’s mission. They step into classrooms, both in person and virtually, to teach students about financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. Volunteers bring lessons to life by sharing their real-world experiences, answering questions, and helping students make connections between what they learn in school and how they’ll apply it in the future.

"Volunteers are the heart of our programs. When they step into the classroom, they do more than teach a lesson—they inspire students to see what's possible for their future. Their real-world stories and encouragement make learning meaningful and memorable in a way no textbook ever could."
– Dani Carter, Program Director, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa

JA volunteer Paige Grimm, a Cedar Rapids native and JA alum, reflected on the impact of her experience:
“It is so much fun and the kids get super engaged. This activity, every student in class participated in some way, and it was just so much fun to come in every day and leave the classroom more and more excited about what the students were doing.”

Laurie Wahlert, a long-time JA volunteer with a background in banking, echoed that sentiment.
“I love working with young people,” she shared. “It’s important to me to give back to the community where I live and work, and JA has given me a meaningful way to do that.”

Whether leading a one-day simulation or a multi-week classroom series, JA volunteers are shaping the next generation of leaders, business owners, and informed citizens.

If you’re looking for a way to give back and make a difference, we invite you to join our volunteer community. Visit easterniowa.ja.org to learn more about opportunities to get involved.

Thank you to each and every volunteer who has supported Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa this school year. You are making a lasting impact.