The SCDC was presented this year by The Wellmark Foundation and hosted by both iJAG and ISU on the university’s campus in Ames. The conference included employer-led workshops, a career fair, and competitions for students in grades 11-12 from 50 different iJAG programs.

Currently, iJAG serves more than 8,200 students in grades 7-12 via 174 different programs across 119 Iowa schools.

GMG iJAG students who earned an all-expenses-paid trip to the national JAG competition set for April 23-27 include seniors Jacob Cornwell and Colin Teske and juniors Colton Hauser and Drayson Stephenson. The group won the Business Plan competition at SCDC by developing and presenting strategies to solve a problem for a fictional or nonfictional company.

“[The students] created a ‘business’ where they would hold baseball camps for younger students. They held their first real camp in February hoping to make enough money to get a mound cover for their high school field. With a couple of extra donations they were able to meet their goal,” GMG iJAG Facilitator Brittany Raymond told the newspaper. “They analyzed key metrics and researched ways they could expand on their idea. They practiced their presentation even on the weekends to prepare for their competition.”

Also earning a trip to Nationals was GMG senior Lexi Vazquez, vice president for iJAG’s State Career Association, who won the Prepared Speaking competition for responses about the impact iJAG has made in her life.

“Lexi effortlessly spoke about her journey with iJAG and how those opportunities helped prepare her for her future,” Raymond explained.

GMG junior Gracelyn Peak will also attend Nationals this year but as a voting delegate.

“Both girls have served as State Officers and have represented our region as bright young professionals,” Raymond added.