JA Is Really Newsworthy!
Give them the power to pursue their dreams
Our Blog
Celebrating 20 Years of Leadership: Erin Kurt
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
On May 16th, we proudly celebrated a major milestone—Erin Kurt’s 20th anniversary with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa! Since 2005, Erin has been a driving force behind the growth and evolution of JAEI, serving in numerous leadership capacities and currently holding the role of Executive Vice...
A First for Iowa: The JA Dream Accelerator™ Coming to Iowa City Community School District
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
The Iowa City Community School District is preparing to launch the JA Dream Accelerator™—the first of its kind in Iowa and only the second in the nation. This hands-on, career exploration experience will empower 9th-grade students to discover their strengths, explore real-world career paths, and develop a vision for their futures. Integrated directly into the school curriculum, the Dream...
Celebrating Business Excellence: 2025 Corridor & Cedar Valley Business Hall of Fame Honorees Announced
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is proud to announce the 2025 Corridor and Cedar Valley Business Hall of Fame honorees—celebrating distinguished leaders who have shaped the economic and social fabric of Eastern Iowa. These annual black-tie events spotlight laureates and entrepreneurs whose integrity, innovation, and community commitment continue to inspire the next generation.
The Corridor...
Finish Strong: Help Us Empower the Next Generation
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is celebrating a year of impact, having reached over 41,000 students with hands-on programs in financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship. With 3,100 students still unfunded, the blog highlights how community support—just $72.06 per student—can ensure continued access to these real-world learning...
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...
