Mason Swisher, a senior at Harlan High School, credits his iJAG experience for helping him land a part-time job, courtesy at Hy-Vee, where he gets to put the skills he’s learned to use each shift
courtesy at Hy-Vee, where he gets to put the skills he’s learned to use each shift.
DES MOINES, IOWA (October 8, 2025) — Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) has announced that Hy-Vee, Iowa’s largest private employer, is renewing its commitment to Iowa students with a $50,000 donation to support iJAG programming, which features in-school, work-based, and community experiences that help students discover, plan, and prepare for a career.
This marks the second consecutive year Hy-Vee has invested in iJAG programming, reflecting the continued growth and momentum of the statewide career development initiative. iJAG partners with 82 school districts across more than fifty Iowa counties to deliver in-school career education, leadership training, work-based learning, and guidance to middle-school and high-school students. This year, the organization is projected to serve more than 11,000 students across the state.
“Our stores are part of these schools’ neighborhoods, and many students are current and future Hy-Vee employees,” said Adriana Johnson, Hy-Vee’s Director of Community Impact and Belonging.
“Partnering with iJAG helps young people see what’s possible — and gives them real experiences that lead to that first job and beyond.”
Hy-Vee’s donation will go toward:
● On-the-job learning opportunities at Iowa-based Hy-Vee retail, distribution, and office locations, including tours, job-shadowing, and project-based experiences
● Classroom visits by Hy-Vee employees for career education and readiness support
● Professional-student mentorships with Hy-Vee employees and student-apprenticeship programs
● Hy-Vee’s involvement at iJAG’s youth conferences and events
“We are so grateful for Hy-Vee’s continued partnership,” said Dr Wendy Mihm-Herold, CEO and President of iJAG.
“Their support goes far beyond this generous financial contribution — their employees are in our classrooms, attending our events, and opening doors to real career experiences. That combination of time and resources is what truly makes an impact in preparing students for success.”
That impact is already being felt by students like Mason Swisher, a senior in his third year of iJAG. Mason joined the program after moving to a new school. Since then, he’s gained confidence, even competing at iJAG’s State Career Development Conference after leading his team’s community service project.
Through iJAG, Mason built a resume, practiced interviews, and learned soft skills that helped him land a part-time job at Hy-Vee. “When I applied, I already had my resume ready to go, and the interview felt easy because of all the practice I’d had in class,” he said. “Now, I use the skills I learned in iJAG every day at Hy-Vee.”
Mason added, “I’d like to thank Hy-Vee and other employers for making sure I have an iJAG class to go to.”
Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that partners with Iowa schools to deliver career development programming that includes leadership training, career education, individualized guidance and employer engagement services. With public and private support, iJAG builds future-ready generations of leaders who have sustainable plans for career and life thanks to meaningful experiences with employers. During the 2025-26 academic year, the organization is projected to serve more than 11,000 students, grades 6-12, across 202 programs statewide. To learn more, visit ijag.org/.
Hy-Vee Inc is an employee-owned corporation operating more than 570 business units across nine Midwestern states with sales of more than $13 billion annually. The supermarket chain is synonymous with quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise, and superior customer service. Hy-Vee was recently named the N° 1 grocery store in America by USA Today. The company’s more than 75,000 employees provide “A Helpful Smile in Every Aisle” to customers every day. For additional information, visit hy-vee.com.
