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Volunteer Spotlight: Anne Thing
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Anne Thing’s connection to Junior Achievement began in high school and has continued throughout her life—as a student, a parent, and now a long-time volunteer. A Technical Writer at CIVCO Medical Solutions, Anne has taught JA programs from kindergarten through middle school for decades. Whether leading budgeting lessons or guiding students through JA BizTown® Mobile, she finds joy in watching kids...
Empowering Young Learners: Junior Achievement’s (JA) Elementary Financial Literacy Programs
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to emphasize the importance of early financial education in shaping future success. At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), we are dedicated to empowering young minds through our comprehensive elementary school programs. These programs introduce students to essential economic concepts, community roles, and financial literacy, laying a strong...
Celebrating Our Top 100 Volunteers: A Tribute to Years of Dedication
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), our volunteers are the foundation of everything we do. Every classroom lesson, every simulation, every moment of inspiration that sparks a student’s confidence and curiosity is made possible by the dedication of the incredible individuals who volunteer their time to bring Junior Achievement’s mission to life.
During Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re...
Volunteer Spotlight: Paige Grimm – Teaching From the Heart, Even Without the Classroom
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Paige Grimm, a Cedar Rapids native and Junior Achievement alumna, brings passion and heart to every JA classroom she enters. Although she didn’t pursue a full-time teaching career, her love for education shines through her volunteer work. After first getting involved through a Financial Literacy Fair, Paige quickly dove into teaching multiple JA classes, especially enjoying the energy of...
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...
