Junior Achievement and UNI Athletics Inspire Young Students to Dream Big
Author: Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Published:
Thursday, 13 Feb 2025
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Image caption: Taking it all in! These young future leaders had the incredible opportunity to sit on the track inside the UNI-Dome, learning from UNI student-athletes about hard work, perseverance, and chasing their dreams!
Recently, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa partnered with the University of Northern Iowa Athletics Department to provide an unforgettable experience for 3rd and 4th-grade students from Union Community School District. This special event gave students an inside look at what it takes to be a student-athlete, the benefits of working hard in both academics and sports, and the many career opportunities that exist in the world of athletics.
Throughout the morning, students had the unique opportunity to hear directly from current UNI student-athletes. These athletes shared their personal journeys, offering advice on perseverance, teamwork, and the importance of balancing school with extracurricular activities. The students were encouraged to set goals and dream big, reinforcing the values that Junior Achievement strives to instill in young minds.
Beyond inspiring conversations, students were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of UNI’s athletic facilities. They got to experience the excitement of running a lap around the track inside the iconic UNI Dome and even had the chance to step into a locker room—a rare and exciting glimpse into the life of a collegiate athlete.
Image caption: Wide-eyed and amazed! These young students got an exclusive peek inside the UNI locker room, experiencing what it’s like to be a Panther athlete. Moments like these inspire big dreams!
Heather Henning, Regional Experiential Learning Coordinator, emphasized the impact of partnerships like this, stating, "Opportunities like these allow students to see firsthand what is possible for their future. By connecting young learners with real-life role models, we’re helping them envision a path forward and reinforcing the value of education, hard work, and perseverance.”
Image caption: Curious minds at work! These students had the chance to ask real UNI student-athletes about sports, school, and what it takes to succeed both on and off the field. Big dreams start with big questions!
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is committed to providing students with hands-on learning experiences that help them connect classroom lessons to real-world careers. This partnership with UNI Athletics was a perfect example of how community collaborations can inspire the next generation to strive for success—both in school and beyond.
As these young students left the UNI campus, they carried with them not just memories of an exciting day, but also a renewed sense of confidence in their own potential. Whether they pursue athletics, academics, or another passion, this experience will serve as a reminder that with dedication and effort, anything is possible.
Image caption: Ready, set, go! These future champions got to run a lap on the track inside the UNI-Dome, experiencing the thrill of being a student-athlete. Big smiles, big energy, and even bigger dreams!
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