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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...
Join Us at the Equipment Exploration Fair – Inspire the Next Generation of Workers!
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Junior Achievement is inviting local businesses to participate in the Equipment Exploration Fair with Cedar Rapids Community School District on April 10, 2025. This hands-on event introduces 4th-grade students to different careers through interactive stations featuring tools, equipment, and activities from various industries.
We’re looking for businesses to showcase their field, engage with...
My First JA BizTown® Mobile Experience: Learning, Growing, and Inspiring Future Leaders
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to experience JA BizTown® Mobile at Iowa City Community School District. This immersive program transforms a school space into a functioning town, where students take on roles such as CEOs, bank tellers, store managers, and elected officials. They learn valuable lessons in financial literacy, business management, and civic engagement, all while gaining...
Staff Spotlight: Emma Disterhoft
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
For over six years, Emma Disterhoft has played a key role at Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) as the Senior Events Manager, orchestrating major events like the Business Hall of Fame and the JA Stock Market Challenge®. Passionate about financial literacy, she loves creating impactful experiences for students and supporters. Emma's dedication was recognized in November 2024 when she was...
Educator Spotlight: Susie Stark
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Susie Stark has dedicated 25 years to teaching in the Cedar Rapids Community School District, currently at Viola Gibson Elementary. With a passion for education, she transitioned from running a childcare center to teaching fifth and second grades. A history enthusiast, she has contributed to curriculum development and teacher training.
Her commitment to student success extends beyond the...
Jersey Mike’s Month and Day of Giving 2025: Support Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa in Coralville!
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Support Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa During Jersey Mike’s Month & Day of Giving!
This March, Jersey Mike’s Subs in Coralville (3268 Crosspark Road, Suite 105) is partnering with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) for the 15th Annual Month of Giving! Customers can round up their purchases or donate to support local students. The campaign culminates on March 26, 2025, for Jersey Mike’s...
Volunteer Spotlight: Laura St. John – Empowering Students Through Financial Literacy
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Volunteer Spotlight: Laura St. John
Laura St. John, a Digital Banker at Hills Bank, has been a JA volunteer for three years, using her education background to teach financial literacy to young students. She loves engaging classrooms with hands-on activities like the Pizza Maker and Hot Dog Stand games and seeing students grow in confidence.
Her advice to new volunteers? "Give it a try! Every...
Make a Difference: Volunteer for JA BizTown® Mobile & JA Finance Park® Mobile!
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Volunteer for JA BizTown® Mobile & JA Finance Park® Mobile!
Make a difference by guiding students through real-world business and financial experiences. No experience needed—just enthusiasm! Events take place in eastern Iowa throughout March, April, and May. Sign up today to inspire future...
