Our Blog
Shape the Future: Volunteer with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), we believe that every student deserves the opportunity to dream big, plan boldly, and step confidently into their future. None of that is possible without volunteers like you.
Whether you want to guide students through hands-on simulations, help them explore careers, or inspire them in the classroom, there’s a place for you at JAEI. This fall, we...
Congratulations to Whitney Schreder, CBJ Forty Under 40 Honoree and JAEI Leader
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is proud to celebrate Whitney Schreder, Vice President of Finance, who has been named a Corridor Business Journal Forty Under 40 honoree. With more than a decade of service at JAEI, Whitney has combined her financial expertise and passion for empowering young people to make a lasting impact on both the organization and the...
Students Are Asking: “Why Are We Learning This?”— And That’s a Good Thing
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
If you've spent time in a classroom recently, you've probably heard a student ask:
“Why are we learning this?”
At first, it might sound like defiance or disinterest. But in reality, it’s one of the most important questions a student can ask—because it signals a desire for meaning, relevance, and connection. And in today’s world, those elements are essential to authentic learning.
The good...
Stay Connected to Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
At Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI), we’re passionate about empowering the next generation with the skills they need to succeed—financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship. Every day, we work alongside dedicated volunteers, educators, and community partners to bring real-world learning into classrooms across Eastern...
Back to School: Are Teens Being Left Behind on AI?
Blog from JA USA
By Elizabeth Stepanek
Corporate Responsibility
As students head back to the classroom this fall, new insights from Junior Achievement reveal a growing disconnect between the skills today’s teens need and what they’re learning in school. In a recent national survey conducted by Big Village for Junior Achievement, 64% of teens (ages 13–17) said they are not using AI as a learning tool at school. This comes at a time when AI is rapidly reshaping...
Financial Playbook: Helping Young Adults Master Money Skills
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is proud to launch Financial Playbook by Junior Achievement, a new workshop for young adults ages 18–25. Designed to build real-world money skills—like budgeting, saving, managing debt, and understanding taxes—the program also includes an optional lesson for student-athletes on navigating NIL income. Powered by the Players Coalition, Financial Playbook equips...
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...
