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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:...
JA Workforce with State Farm
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Work Readiness
Starting a career can be daunting, especially when faced with crucial decisions and additional challenges such as growing up in foster care, single parenting, or other significant life hurdles. In these situations, support becomes even more...
Employee Spotlight: Kristi Brown — Turning Purpose Into Progress
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Kristi Brown, Stewardship Director at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa, has spent over a decade turning her passion for education and community impact into meaningful work. After leaving a corporate sales role, Kristi found purpose at JA—where she now leads grant writing and donor stewardship efforts. In her spotlight, she shares what keeps her inspired: watching students engage deeply in...
Join Our Team: Now Hiring an Education Coordinator!
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Are you passionate about education, community engagement, and helping young people succeed? Do you thrive in a role that blends relationship-building with purpose-driven work? Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is hiring a part-time Education Coordinator—and we’re looking for someone who’s ready to make an...
Where Vision Meets Impact: 2025 Board Celebration Recap
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
On Tuesday, June 24th, Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) welcomed 48 board members, who are comprised of superintendents and community leaders, to Cedar Ridge Winery & Distillery in Swisher for our 2025 Regional Board Celebration. The setting was perfect for a collaborative afternoon of reflection, recognition, and forward-looking discussion on how JAEI continues to empower students across...
2025 Future Bound by Junior Achievement
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Entrepreneurship
From June 8–11, the brightest young minds in entrepreneurship gathered in Atlanta, Georgia, for the inaugural Future BoundTM by Junior Achievement. This dynamic event brought together high school students from across the United States to showcase their innovative projects, demonstrate business acumen, and compete for national recognition for their outstanding achievements. A true celebration of...
