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Helping Students Graduate with Confidence—and Credentials
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is now offering the JA Essential Work Skills Credential—a state-recognized program that equips high school students with critical workplace skills while helping districts meet Work-Based Learning and Postsecondary Readiness requirements. Backed by the Iowa Department of Education and Iowa Workforce Development, this turnkey solution prepares students for success...
Top 5 Skills Every Young Entrepreneur Should Build Now
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Entrepreneurship
Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business or just want to think more like a boss, building the right skill set is key. From navigating challenges to managing money, the most successful entrepreneurs are constantly learning, adapting, and...
Teacher Spotlight: Kristal Horman
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Second grade teacher Kristal Horman from Echo Hill Elementary has been inspiring students for 23 years with her passion for fun, engaging learning. In this spotlight, she shares how Junior Achievement lessons—especially those focused on teamwork and careers—help her students connect classroom learning to the real world. From catchy rap songs to pizza-making challenges, Kristal brings JA to life in...
Staff Spotlight: Katie Langrehr, Experiential Learning Director
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Get to know Katie Langrehr, JAEI’s Experiential Learning Director, and the driving force behind many of our hands-on student programs. From career fairs to JA BizTown® Mobile, Katie shares how her journey with JA began, why she’s passionate about early financial education, and the powerful moments that keep her inspired. Read her story and learn how you can get involved in supporting JA’s...
Wrapping Up the 2025 JA Stock Market Challenge®
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
On April 24th, the Olympic South Side Theater in Cedar Rapids was alive with energy as students and professionals stepped into the fast-paced world of finance at the 2025 JA Stock Market Challenge®. More than $100,000 was raised to support Junior Achievement programs across Eastern Iowa, this year’s event was a tremendous success—uniting future leaders and local businesses to champion youth...
Students Pitch Travel Solutions to Delta at 3DE™ Culminating Event
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Students from Alburnett and College Community School Districts came together at the Eastern Iowa Airport for the 3DE by Junior Achievement Culminating Event—a powerful showcase of critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration. Throughout the school year, students tackled real business challenges presented by local and national companies. At this final event, they delivered their innovative...
Honoring the Heart of the Classroom: Celebrating Teachers During Teacher Appreciation Week
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Join us in celebrating the incredible educators who help bring JA programs to life. Their dedication, support, and belief in their students make a lasting impact—and we’re so grateful for their partnership. Whether they’re welcoming JA volunteers, coordinating BizTown visits, or finding time to integrate JA lessons into their already full days, our teachers go above and beyond to empower the next...
Volunteer Spotlight: Lisa Lamb – Giving Back with Heart and Purpose
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Lisa Lamb, CFO at Integrated Connection, brings her passion for children and community into the classroom through her role as a Junior Achievement volunteer. With a background in accounting and a heart for teaching, Lisa has spent the past two years inspiring kindergarten and third-grade students with fun, hands-on lessons. Though she once felt nervous about speaking in front of groups, she...
Volunteer Spotlight: Pat Heyer
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
After a 47-year career in Human Resources, Pat Heyer continues to inspire growth—this time in the classroom. A dedicated Junior Achievement volunteer for over 20 years, Pat brings real-world lessons to life for kindergarten through third-grade students. She’s passionate about helping young learners understand concepts like earning, saving, and spending, and takes pride in sparking their curiosity...
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...
