Introducing JA 18 Under 18: Celebrating Eastern Iowa’s Young Leaders

Image caption: Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s JA 18 Under 18 celebrates 18 outstanding young people in Iowa and Johnson Counties for their leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, service and character.

Big ideas can start early.

Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) is excited to announce the launch of JA 18 Under 18, a new recognition program celebrating outstanding young people in Iowa and Johnson Counties who are already making an impact through leadership, entrepreneurship, innovation, service and character.

Nominations are now open for the inaugural class of JA 18 Under 18 honorees.

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.

Submit a nomination:
JA 18 Under 18 Nomination Form

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.