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3DE™ Student Spotlight: Natalie Krohse
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa celebrates Natalie Krohse, a driven student from Alburnett Community School District who excels in academics, athletics, and leadership. In 3DE™, she played a key role in her team’s 9.3 Van Meter case challenge victory, leading research and critical thinking. Her hard work continues to inspire those around...
Junior Achievement and UNI Athletics Inspire Young Students to Dream Big
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa recently teamed up with the University of Northern Iowa Athletics Department to give 3rd and 4th-grade students from Union Community School District a firsthand look at the life of a student-athlete. The event highlighted the importance of balancing academics and sports, goal-setting, and career opportunities in athletics. Students had the chance to hear advice...
School District Spotlight: College Community School District
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) celebrates its long-standing partnership with the College Community School District, a leader in preparing students for financial and career success. For over 30 years, the district has played a pivotal role in implementing JA programs and piloting new initiatives that benefit students across the region.
Impact by the Numbers:
2,009 students participated...
Volunteer Spotlight: Laurie Wahlert – 25+ Years of Inspiring Students with Financial Literacy
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
For over 25 years, Laurie Wahlert has been a dedicated Junior Achievement (JA) volunteer, using her 30 years of banking experience to bring financial literacy to students. She first started volunteering in Iowa City and continues to make an impact, teaching 4th Grade JA Our Region while utilizing Volunteer Time Off (VTO) from MidWestOne Bank’s 1st Avenue location to give back to her...
Volunteer Spotlight: Tim Reynolds
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Tim Reynolds, an IT professional with GreenState Credit Union, has been a dedicated Junior Achievement volunteer for six years. Inspired by his wife’s career as a kindergarten teacher, he has taught various JA programs, helping students understand real-world financial and career concepts. Tim enjoys the interactive nature of JA lessons and the lasting impact they have on students. His advice to...
4th Graders Explore Future Careers at Career Exploration Fair
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
The Career Exploration Fair, held today at the CRCSD Educational Leadership and Support Center, gave Cedar Rapids Community School District 4th graders a hands-on introduction to various career paths. Hosted in partnership with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), the event featured 15-20 interactive stations where industry professionals showcased real-world skills and equipment.
Students...
QTS Data Supports Local Students with $30,000 Donation to Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
QTS Data Centers has donated $30,000 to Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa to support financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship programs for local students. As a new business in the area, QTS is demonstrating a strong commitment to community investment and youth education. This generous contribution will help JAEI equip students with essential skills for future...
3DE™ Students Engage with Iowa Leaders to Share Their Impact
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
On January 28, 3DE™ by Junior Achievement students had the exciting opportunity to engage with Iowa leaders and share how the program is transforming their education. A group of students traveled to the Iowa State Capitol for Educator Day on the Hill, where they spoke with legislators about the impact of 3DE™ and the importance of hands-on, project-based learning. Meanwhile, Governor Kim Reynolds...
Call for Nominations: 2025 Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Business Hall of Fame events: the Corridor event on September 18th (26th Annual) and the Cedar Valley event on October 30th (31st Annual). These events honor outstanding business leaders who have shaped Eastern Iowa’s economy and communities. Three laureates and one entrepreneur will be selected for each event based on...
Cedar Rapids Community School District: January School District Spotlight
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is excited to feature the Cedar Rapids Community School District (CRCSD) in our first School District Spotlight! A dedicated JA partner for over 25 years, CRCSD now implements JA programming district-wide, impacting 10,844 students across grades K-9 with hands-on financial literacy, career readiness, and entrepreneurship...
