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Everyone remembers learning how to drive. We remember the first time we got behind the wheel. Maybe it was in a parking lot, on a family farm, or on a quiet gravel road. (For me, it was at a garbage dump.) We also remember how we felt during those first driving experiences. Some of us were excited about the freedom and independence that driving would bring. Others may have felt nervous or anxious about taking on such a big responsibility. Whether the experience was exciting o

When teaching students on a regular basis, progress isn't always captured, but we need to remember to take time and acknowledge even the small moments of success. Each year, the high school students at the Job Foundation take a comprehensive test covering the topics they have learned throughout the year. These lessons include Illegal Activities, Taxes, Investing, Volunteering, Banks and Credit Unions, Addictive Behaviors, Digital Citizenship, and Emotional Intelligence and C

Seeing seniors graduate from the Job Foundation keeps us motivated as we work with them for up to 13 years. It is so exciting to watch them finish their years of the program by graduating from high school, obtaining all their hard-earned savings they have grown over the years, and going on to the next step in their life. Kendra is another one of our outstanding seniors for the 2025–2026 school year. She has been a part of the Job Foundation program for many years, and it

Seeing seniors graduate from the Job Foundation keeps us motivated as we work with them for up to 13 years. It is so exciting to watch them finish their years of the program by graduating from high school, obtaining all their hard-earned savings they have grown over the years, and going on to the next step in their life. One of those seniors is Daniesha or Day-Day Watson, who started the program during kindergarten. She has spent time learning how to save her money wisel

One of the live auction items at our Kentucky Derby Pre-Party fundraiser is unique and holds special meaning: It's made by a Job Foundation student and his mentor. Mentorship opens the door for students to step outside of their comfort zones and try something new. At the Job Foundation, one way we make this possible is through our partnership with Cedar Valley Makers, where students can explore hands-on learning in the Makerspace in Waterloo. From woodworking and fabricatio

Being a well-rounded citizen requires more than financial literacy. That’s why the Job Foundation helps students learn the value of giving back. It includes understanding the value of giving back—through charitable giving and volunteering. This year, we’ve been especially excited to bring those lessons to life through hands-on volunteer experiences. Our high school students had the opportunity to spread kindness by creating heartfelt cards for residents at Friendship Villa

Do you remember the first time you ate a steak? There’s something about it that feels a little more grown up. It’s not a typical meal for a child, and for many young people it becomes a small but meaningful milestone. One of our middle school students recently had that experience. At the Quarter 2 celebration, a sixth-grade student named Xzavier decided to order something he had never tried before—his very first steak. Xzavier stepped into a new experience. He was at first h

Cunningham Elementary students in a financial lesson with education coordinator Courtney Thomas.