Our Blog
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...
3DE™ Educator Spotlight: Randy Farnum
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
Randy Farnum, an Earth and Space Science teacher at Prairie 9th Grade Center, has been shaping young minds since 2003. His passion for education began with roles in informal education, including work with the Department of Natural Resources and the Peace Corps in Honduras. Inspired by his own teachers, Randy strives to help students understand the environment and real-world applications of...
Experiential Learning in Action: January & February Highlights
By Cathy Essick
Work Readiness
The start of 2025 has been filled with hands-on learning for students across Eastern Iowa! Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa has provided real-world experiences connecting classroom lessons with career exploration, financial literacy, and personal development.
Highlights from January & February
• JA Finance Park® Mobile at Benton Community School – 60 8th graders learned financial...
JA BizTown® Mobile: Bringing Hands-On Learning to Your School
By Cathy Essick
Entrepreneurship
JA BizTown® Mobile: Bringing Hands-On Learning to Your School
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is excited to bring JA BizTown® Mobile, a dynamic and immersive learning experience, directly to schools! This innovative program allows elementary students to step into real-world roles as business owners, employees, and consumers, developing essential skills in financial literacy, career readiness,...
Educator Spotlight: Scott Davidson
By Cathy Essick
Financial Literacy
Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa is proud to recognize Scott Davidson, a dedicated social studies teacher at Xavier Catholic Schools, who has been inspiring students for 18 years.
Scott transitioned from a career in television to teaching, finding his passion in guiding 6th-8th graders toward success. His involvement with JA began through a colleague’s recommendation, and he now integrates JA...
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...
