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Educator Spotlight: Abby Turley
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Abby Turley, a dedicated educator at Roosevelt Creative Corridor Business Academy in Cedar Rapids, has been shaping young minds for 10 years. Initially a history teacher, Abby transitioned to launch Iowa’s first middle school Business course in 2022, focusing on career pathways and employability skills.
Her partnership with Junior Achievement (JA) has been transformative, bringing programs like...
Celebrating National Mentoring Month with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) is proud to honor National Mentoring Month by celebrating the educators, volunteers, and community partners who inspire and empower students. Mentors play a vital role in JAEI programs, helping over 41,000 students in the 2023-2024 school year develop skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.
Mentoring bridges the gap between...
Junior Achievement Volunteer, Melissa Winter, Honored with Top National Award
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Cedar Rapids Business Leader Receives National Junior Achievement Honor
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is proud to announce that Melissa Winter, Vice President of Wealth Management and Insurance at GreenState Credit Union, has been honored with Junior Achievement’s Gold Leadership Award—the organization’s highest national recognition for...
Spotlight on Entrepreneurship: Tim Guenther and Clickstop, Inc.
By Cathy Essick
Entrepreneurship
The blog post "Spotlight on Entrepreneurship: Tim Guenther and Clickstop, Inc." highlights the entrepreneurial journey of Tim Guenther, the founder and CEO of Clickstop, a company known for its innovative approach to e-commerce and business management. Starting in 2005 with a focus on selling products online, Clickstop has grown into a successful, multi-faceted company with a diverse portfolio of...
Cabin Coffee Company in Waterloo Brewing Up Support for Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa This GivingTuesday
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Cabin Coffee Company in Waterloo is supporting Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI) this GivingTuesday, December 3, by donating proceeds from every bag of coffee sold (up to $250) to JAEI. The initiative aligns with GivingTuesday’s global focus on generosity and community impact. Funds raised will help JAEI provide essential programs in financial literacy, career readiness, and...
Spotlight on Entrepreneurship: Malia Gudenkauf of Little Miss Finance
By Cathy Essick
Entrepreneurship
Malia Gudenkauf, founder of Little Miss Finance, is celebrated for her entrepreneurial journey and commitment to financial literacy. From childhood ventures like lemonade stands to leaving a corporate career for greater independence, Malia has built a business that empowers others, especially women, to take control of their finances. Influenced by her parents and financial educator Mike Finley,...
Become a Classroom Volunteer: Make a Lasting Impact with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa
By Cathy Essick
Community Involvement
Looking for a way to make a difference in your community?
Volunteer with Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa and inspire the next generation of leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators! By sharing your time and experiences in the classroom, you'll help students develop essential skills like financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and career readiness.
No teaching experience is necessary—JA provides...
Support Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa on Giving Tuesday, December 3rd
By Cathy Essick
Corporate Responsibility
Join the global generosity movement this Giving Tuesday by supporting Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa (JAEI). This nonprofit empowers local K-12 students across 10 Eastern Iowa counties with essential skills in financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship, helping them prepare for successful futures.
Your contributions on Giving Tuesday will:
Expand educational programs like JA...
3DE™ CEO Breakfast Highlights Transformative Approach to High School Education
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
The 3DE™ CEO Breakfast on November 20th highlighted the innovative 3 Dimensions of Education™ (3DE™) model by Junior Achievement, which aims to transform high school education through real-world, project-based learning. The event, held at Junior Achievement's Foundation Hall, featured presentations by Junior Achievement USA® President, Jack Harris, 3DE™ President, Callie Majors, and local...
Celebrating Entrepreneurship: A Journey with Brandon Pratt
By Cathy Essick
Entrepreneurship
In honor of National Entrepreneurship Month, this blog post highlights the inspiring journey of Brandon Pratt, founder of Lion Development Group and Gravy Train Restaurant Group. Brandon's entrepreneurial spirit began in his childhood, influenced by his father’s work ethic. Overcoming early challenges, including skepticism due to his youth, Brandon built a successful career driven by a desire to...
