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Back to School: Are Teens Being Left Behind on AI?
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
As students head back to the classroom this fall, new insights from Junior Achievement reveal a growing disconnect between the skills today’s teens need and what they’re learning in school. In a recent national survey conducted by Big Village for Junior Achievement, 64% of teens (ages 13–17) said they are not using AI as a learning tool at school. This comes at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping...
Financial Playbook: Helping Young Adults Master Money Skills
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is proud to launch Financial Playbook by Junior Achievement, a new workshop for young adults ages 18–25. Designed to build real-world money skills—like budgeting, saving, managing debt, and understanding taxes—the program also includes an optional lesson for student-athletes on navigating NIL income. Powered by the Players Coalition, Financial Playbook equips...
Open Houses to Celebrate the Heart of Junior Achievement—Our Volunteers
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is hosting Volunteer Appreciation Open Houses in Cedar Rapids on August 19th and North Liberty on August 28th to celebrate the incredible impact of our volunteers. Guests can drop in anytime, enjoy a short program at 5 PM, and connect with fellow JA supporters. A Cedar Valley open house will be held later this...
Help Inspire the Future Workforce at JA Career Inspire® 2025
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) is gearing up for JA Career Inspire® 2025 — an exciting, hands-on career exploration event that brings thousands of middle school students face-to-face with local employers. Designed to help students connect what they’re learning in school with real-world careers, this high-impact event plays a critical role in shaping the future workforce of Eastern...
Celebrating Leadership, Legacy, and Possibility: Join Us for the 2025 Business Hall of Fame Events
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s 2025 Business Hall of Fame events will honor local business leaders who exemplify integrity, innovation, and community impact. With events in both the Corridor and Cedar Valley regions this fall, the Hall of Fame celebrates leaders whose stories inspire the next generation. Proceeds support JA programs that empower students to recognize their potential and...
Dr. Nate Klein Honored with Junior Achievement USA® Rising Star Award
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Dr. Nate Klein, Vice President of Education at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, has been nationally recognized with the Junior Achievement USA® Rising Star Award for his outstanding leadership and dedication to empowering students through real-world learning. This honor celebrates Nate’s innovative work, deep community impact, and lifelong commitment to Junior Achievement’s...
Unlocking the Power of Experiential Learning: Preparing Students for the Future of Work
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
In today’s rapidly evolving workforce, traditional classroom instruction alone is no longer enough. Employers increasingly seek individuals with not just technical knowledge, but also adaptability, critical thinking, collaboration, and real-world problem-solving skills. This is where experiential learning steps in, and why Junior Achievement (JA) plays a vital role in reshaping how young people...
Celebrate Leadership. Invest in the Future. Corridor Business Hall of Fame Returns September 18th
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Join us for the 26th annual Corridor Business Hall of Fame, presented by U.S. Bank, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cedar Rapids. This black-tie gala will honor John R. Balmer, Chris & Suzy DeWolf, Pat McGrath, and entrepreneur Brandon Pratt for their outstanding leadership and impact in Eastern Iowa. Proceeds support Junior Achievement programs that prepare local...
Real World Rundown: A Conversation with Superintendent Dr. Douglas Wheeler
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
In this episode of Real World Rundown, Dr. Nate Klein talks with Dr. Doug Wheeler, Superintendent of College Community School District. A longtime JA partner, College Community has helped pioneer programs like JA BizTown® Mobile and 3DE™ in Eastern Iowa. Doug shares insights on leadership, innovation, and the district’s guiding motto: “Their future, our...
🎧 Introducing: Real World Rundown — A Podcast Powered by Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Real World Rundown is Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa’s new podcast hosted by Dr. Nate Klein, featuring real conversations about work, money, and life. The first episode kicks off with Christine Landa, JAEI’s President, discussing leadership and the impact of JA. Tune in for honest stories and practical insights from students, educators, and community leaders.
🎧 Listen on Spotify:...
