JA Is Really Newsworthy!
Give them the power to pursue their dreams
Our Blog
Building a Strong Financial Foundation: Equipping Teens for a Brighter Tomorrow
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Financial Literacy
In honor of Financial Literacy Month, we explore the challenges teens face in today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world and emphasize the vital role financial education plays in shaping a more secure and promising...
Celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is celebrating Volunteer Appreciation Month by recognizing the dedicated individuals who bring JA programs to life. Volunteers who have served during the 2024–25 school year are entered into weekly drawings for gift cards to local businesses. Their real-world experience and mentorship help students build financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurial...
🌟 Staff Spotlight: Beth Horan 🌟
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
From in the background, Beth Horan keeps the wheels turning at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI). As an Operations Coordinator, she ensures everything runs smoothly for teams supporting JA programs, volunteers, and donors. Whether managing systems, assisting with data pulls, or contributing to committee efforts, her work touches every part of the organization, helping the mission...
McKinley Steam Academy Students Make a Sweet Impact Through JA Company Program® Pop-Up
By Cathy Essick
Entrepreneurship
Students from McKinley Steam Academy in the Cedar Rapids Community School District recently put their entrepreneurial skills to the test through Junior Achievement’s JA Company Program® Pop-Up, and their hard work made a meaningful impact on a local...
Join Us for a Night of Fun & Giving Back at Lucky’s on 16th!
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Join Us for a Night of Fun & Giving Back!
Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 16th, and head to Lucky’s on 16th in Cedar Rapids for a Give Back Day/Night benefiting Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa! Lucky’s will be donating 10% of profits to support JA programs that empower local students with essential financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship skills. Plus, don’t miss...
April 2025: Financial Literacy Month – Empowering the Next Generation
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
April is Financial Literacy Month, and Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) is committed to equipping students with the financial knowledge needed for future success. Financial literacy is a critical life skill, yet many students lack access to essential education on budgeting, saving, credit, and investing. JAEI bridges this gap through interactive, real-world programs that prepare young...
Join Us at the Equipment Exploration Fair – Inspire the Next Generation of Workers!
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement is inviting local businesses to participate in the Equipment Exploration Fair with Cedar Rapids Community School District on April 10, 2025. This hands-on event introduces 4th-grade students to different careers through interactive stations featuring tools, equipment, and activities from various industries.
We’re looking for businesses to showcase their field, engage with...
My First JA BizTown® Mobile Experience: Learning, Growing, and Inspiring Future Leaders
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to experience JA BizTown® Mobile at Iowa City Community School District. This immersive program transforms a school space into a functioning town, where students take on roles such as CEOs, bank tellers, store managers, and elected officials. They learn valuable lessons in financial literacy, business management, and civic engagement, all while gaining...
Staff Spotlight: Emma Disterhoft
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
For over six years, Emma Disterhoft has played a key role at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) as the Senior Events Manager, orchestrating major events like the Business Hall of Fame and the JA Stock Market Challenge®. Passionate about financial literacy, she loves creating impactful experiences for students and supporters. Emma's dedication was recognized in November 2024 when she was...
Educator Spotlight: Susie Stark
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Susie Stark has dedicated 25 years to teaching in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, currently at Viola Gibson Elementary. With a passion for education, she transitioned from running a childcare center to teaching fifth and second grades. A history enthusiast, she has contributed to curriculum development and teacher training.
Her commitment to student success extends beyond the...
