Project Iowa

What do you wish someone had told you before graduating high school?

Our YouthWorks interns spent a day Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for Postsecondary Wisdom with Professionals, hearing real stories, honest advice, and lessons learned from professionals who have navigated college, careers, and life after high school.

From building confidence and professional networks to overcoming setbacks and finding opportunities, our interns gained valuable insights they can carry into their next chapter.

The best part? There wasn't just one path to success. Each speaker shared a unique journey, reminding our students that growth often comes from staying curious, taking chances, and learning along the way.

Thank you to Nyra Bottley and the team at Federal Home Loan Bank of Des Moines for investing your time, wisdom, and encouragement in the future workforce of Iowa. Your support continues to make a lasting impact on our YouthWorks interns.

What does it take to help someone build a meaningful career and lasting stability?

In the latest episode of Ways to Work—Rooted for Success, Program Manager Lisa Juckette shares about the evolution of the Rooted Model. Learn how the program has adapted over the years to better support individuals facing barriers to employment by focusing on more than just finding a job helping participants build confidence, develop career-ready skills, and create a foundation for long-term success.

Tune in to discover how a holistic approach to workforce development is helping people grow, thrive, and achieve their goals.

🎧 Listen now: https://youtu.be/ubiV_LXQhos?si=bjCai7HR_f9a-A-j

Congratulations to the YouthWorks Class of 2026 interns on graduating from North and East High Schools!

We are so proud of all you’ve accomplished and can’t wait to see what this summer at your internship brings. Here’s to an amazing season of growth, learning, and opportunity ahead!