Volunteer Spotlight: Laurie Wahlert – 25+ Years of Inspiring Students with Financial Literacy

Author: Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Published: Tuesday, 11 Feb 2025

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Image caption: Laurie Wahlert-Junior Achievement Volunteer

At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our mission, bringing financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship to life for students. This month, we’re shining the spotlight on Laurie Wahlert, a dedicated Junior Achievement (JA) volunteer with an incredible 25+ years of experience in the classroom!

Meet Laurie Wahlert

Laurie has been in the banking industry for 30 years and has a passion for financial literacy. She first started volunteering with JA over 25 years ago in Iowa City and hasn’t looked back since.

“I love working with young people,” Laurie says. “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.”

Laurie currently works at MidWestOne Bank’s 1st Avenue location, where she utilizes her Volunteer Time Off (VTO) to bring financial literacy education into the classroom. She believes strongly in sharing her expertise with the next generation and appreciates that her employer supports community involvement.

Bringing JA to Life in the Classroom

Laurie primarily teaches 4th Grade JA Our Region^®, a program that introduces students to business ownership, entrepreneurship, and resources unique to different areas. One of the things she loves most is how JA’s curriculum builds upon itself year after year, reinforcing key concepts in creative and engaging ways.

“The students remember the programming from year to year, which is so rewarding,” Laurie shares. “Plus, 4th graders ask really great questions!”

For Laurie, stepping into the classroom is always a fun and fulfilling experience. She appreciates how JA provides all the materials in an easy-to-follow format while also giving volunteers the flexibility to insert their own personal and professional stories. Her approach? Be prepared, encourage curiosity, and create meaningful conversations.

“I always tell volunteers—let the students ask questions! Even if they go off-topic, it’s all about making learning relevant to their lives. And always follow through on what you say you’re going to do—it builds integrity.”

The Rewarding Moments that Keep Her Coming Back

Over the years, Laurie has seen firsthand the impact of JA programs. From helping students feel valued and important to witnessing their excitement as they develop key life skills, she knows she’s making a difference.

One particular group of students stood out to her recently. “The last class I taught was WONDERFUL,” Laurie recalls. “They were engaged, respectful, and asked fantastic questions. The teacher was also incredibly supportive, which made for such a great experience.”

Laurie’s favorite part of JA? Helping students create businesses based on the resources available to them. It’s an activity that sparks creativity and challenges students to think like real entrepreneurs.

Why Volunteering with JA is Worth It

Laurie encourages anyone thinking about volunteering with JA to just go for it!

“You’re never going to regret it,” she says. “JA is so mindful about placing volunteers in the right fit, and they make it incredibly easy to get started. Whether you want to use technology or stick to hands-on activities, it’s completely up to you. And trust me—you’ll get more out of it than you even realize.”

She also reminds potential volunteers that one simple lesson or piece of advice could impact a student’s future in ways they never imagined.

Join Laurie—Become a JA Volunteer Today!

Laurie’s passion for empowering students through financial literacy is truly inspiring, and we are so grateful for her dedication. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, now is the perfect time.

Ready to make a difference? Sign up today and experience the joy of helping students build skills for success!