News/Accolades

Recap of the Iowa Jump$tart I-Cubs Educator Retreat

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Educators that attended the conference stand together during the networking part of the conference.

On Wednesday, June 17th, the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition hosted its annual I-Cubs Educator Retreat at Principal Park. 16 dedicated educators from across the state joined us for an intensive day of collaborative learning, professional development, and networking.

Financial literacy is no longer just an elective skill; it is a fundamental necessity for navigating the modern world. Every day, Iowa educators step into their classrooms to build the foundation for their students’ financial independence and lifelong economic mobility. This retreat was designed to give these real-world heroes the ultimate “cheat codes”—actionable tools, expert strategies, and fresh curricula—to help our youth win the game of financial life.

Special thanks to our generous sponsors, MidAmerican, Prairie Meadows, and the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services, whose support makes these vital no-cost professional development events possible.

Round 1: Mastering the Home-Buying Process with “Clear 2 Close”

Kaleb Stevens presenting to a group of Iowa educators during the conference.

We kicked off the morning by diving into an interactive, game-show-style session titled “Clear 2 Close: The Original Home Buyer Game,” led by expert Kaleb Stevens. This unique session provided K-12 teachers with practical tips and expert answers regarding the complex world of real estate, empowering them to strengthen both their own financial knowledge and their future classroom discussions.

The game’s mechanics brought real-life financial consequences to the table. If an educator answered a house-buying question incorrectly, their scorecard took a hit, simulating high-risk scenarios like taking on massive credit card debt or paying an unexpected, expensive tab at a bar. Conversely, correct answers unlocked positive financial scenarios, such as picking up an extra job to aggressively pay down debt. By turning the daunting task of buying a home into an engaging simulation, our educators discovered a highly impactful framework for teaching long-term financial responsibility to their students.

Round 2: Navigating the Dealership with Confidence

For our second inning, we shifted focus to the open road with a session titled “What I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Car,” presented by Carolyn Steckelburg, a professor from Iowa State University (ISU) who teaches this critical module in her personal finance classes.

Too often, young consumers focus strictly on the monthly payment when buying a vehicle, missing the broader, riskier picture. Drawing from personal past experiences, Professor Steckelburg highlighted the hidden pitfalls of the automotive market and provided a strategy guide for educators to pass down to their classrooms. Key lessons included:

  • The Trust Factor: How to evaluate if a dealer is trustworthy.
  • The Power to Walk: Conducting thorough, independent research to establish a fair price, and having the discipline to walk away if the deal isn’t right.
  • The True Budget: Looking past the monthly payment to assess the comprehensive cost of ownership (insurance, maintenance, fuel) to see if it truly fits a budget.
  • Checking the History: Ensuring a vehicle’s history report is fully vetted before signing.

By preparing students to manage auto loans, trade-ins, and credit scores with confidence, our teachers are ensuring the next generation is fully equipped to defend themselves against predatory consumer pitfalls.

Congratulations to Our National Conference Scholarship Winner!

During the first half of the retreat, we paused for a special drawing for our premier professional development opportunity. A massive congratulations goes to Cyndi Ehrhart from Mason City Alternative School, who won a guaranteed scholarship spot at the upcoming Jump$tart National Educator Conference!

Cyndi will be joining fellow educators from across the country from November 6-8, 2026, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado. Iowa Jump$tart is proud to sponsor local teachers for this elite event, providing them with hours of national-level professional development and cutting-edge resources to bring directly back to Iowa classrooms.

Final Inning: VIP Networking & An Extra-Innings Win

View of the baseball field from the box seat at the I-cubs game.

To wrap up a highly productive day, our educators transitioned to a luxury suite at Principal Park for a well-deserved afternoon of networking and connection. On a beautiful, sunny afternoon overlooking home plate, the Iowa Cubs overcame a slow start to secure an exciting comeback victory!

Our educators received true MVP treatment as a small token of gratitude for their tireless work in our schools. Attendees enjoyed premium box seats, free refreshments, popcorn, and dedicated server service. To ensure the day was entirely cost-free, all participants received a $50 stipend to cover travel, parking, and stadium food, alongside a full reimbursement for a one-night hotel stay.

Thank you to the 16 incredible educators who invested their time to play, learn, and grow with us. The work you do in Iowa schools changes the trajectory of young lives, turning financial literacy into a lasting reality for our communities!

Missed out on this year’s retreat? Visit our Personal Financial Literacy Conference page to learn more, and keep an eye on our events calendar to secure your roster spot for our next event!

News/Accolades

Looking Back at Boston and Forward to the Rockies: Iowa Teachers Shine at Jump$tart NEC

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It has been four months since five of our dedicated Iowa educators returned from the 2025 Jump$tart National Educator Conference (NEC) in Boston, and the energy from that weekend is still fueling classrooms across our state.

A Special Partnership for Iowa Educators: This incredible opportunity was made possible through a vital partnership with National Jump$tart and local partners here in Iowa. We are excited to share that our partners at the Youth Development Fund were largely responsible for providing the funding needed for these five Iowa teachers. Their commitment to educator growth ensures that Iowa’s teachers don’t just have “resources,” but have access to the absolute best professional development in the country.

A Quick Flashback: What is the Jump$tart NEC?

The Jump$tart NEC is the nation’s premier event dedicated exclusively to PreK-12 financial literacy. This three-day experience provides teachers with 15 hours of professional development, hands-on “Monday-morning ready” classroom resources, and deep dives into modern topics like cryptocurrency and the digital economy. Thanks to generous underwriters and the support of the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition, selected teachers attend on full scholarships that cover registration, lodging, and meals—creating a unique, “all-expenses-paid” opportunity to join a massive “extended educator family” committed to student success.

Insights from Our 2025 Attendees

The impact of the conference remains clear in the words of the teachers who represented Iowa in Boston:

“What an absolutely exhilarating time. This was my favorite of the Jump$tart conferences I’ve been to as each of my breakout sessions provided me with multiple curriculum takeaways, the speakers they brought in were incredibly strong and motivational, and the way they appreciated teachers was, as always, top-notch. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity!”

— Kevin Gartman – Montezuma Community School

“My experience at my first Jumpstart NEC was nothing short of amazing! I finally feel like I understand Cryptocurrency a little more… Being able to connect with other personal finance teachers, hear their stories and learn about the things they are doing is incredibly valuable. I feel like I gained this incredibly huge extended educator family from this weekend and I hope I can attend again in the future.”

— Elizabeth Brittain – Audubon High School

Other teachers from Iowa that were able to attend were:

  • Tracy Weber – Bellevue Middle/High School
  • Carissa Lewis – Ames Community School District
  • Linda Vanden Bosch – Clarinda Community Schools

Looking Ahead: Will You Join Us in Colorado?

If you missed out on the Boston trip, don’t worry—it’s already time to start looking toward the horizon! The 2026 Jump$tart National Educator Conference is heading to the mountains. Mark your calendars for November 6-8, 2026, at the spectacular Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Center in Aurora, Colorado.

How can you get there? Scholarship Applications: National scholarship applications are expected to open on April 1, 2026. Click the button below to apply.

  • Iowa Support: Stay tuned to the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition for updates on how we plan to support our local teachers for the 2026 event.

Don’t miss your chance to recharge your passion and bring world-class financial resources back to your Iowa students. We hope to see you in the Rockies!

More About Scholarships

Member Minute, News/Accolades

September 2025 Partner Spotlight

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At the heart of ISL Education Lending’s mission to support Iowa students and families in achieving postsecondary success is Shelly Adams, a dedicated Program Administrator and Communications Specialist. With a passion for financial literacy and a talent for clear, impactful communication, Shelly plays a pivotal role in helping families navigate the often-complex world of college planning and student loans.

ISL Education Lending, a nonprofit organization more widely recognized by its original name, Iowa Student Loan, offers private student loans with competitive interest rates—thanks to its nonprofit status. But its impact goes far beyond lending. Through a variety of free college planning tools, resources, and scholarships, ISL is committed to making higher education more accessible and affordable for Iowans.

One of Shelly’s most impactful contributions is her leadership of the SP3 – Student Planning Pointers for Parents program. This free email service delivers timely, grade-specific college and career planning advice to parents of students in grades 8 through 12. Every month, Shelly curates and distributes two insightful articles designed to empower parents in their role as advisors and supporters of their children’s educational journeys. The program also includes a quarterly drawing, where 40 participants are randomly selected to receive a $250 contribution to a 529 college savings plan—a meaningful incentive that makes planning for college even more rewarding.

Shelly is also deeply involved in promoting ISL’s scholarship initiatives. The ISL Education Lending Scholarship program, which runs in both fall and spring, awards 45 deposits of $1,000 into ISave 529 accounts. These awards benefit Iowa high school and undergraduate students—or their families—helping to ease the financial burden of higher education.

Looking ahead, Shelly is excited about ISL’s upcoming partnership with ICAN to launch Step1, a new scholarship search tool designed to simplify the process of finding financial aid opportunities. This initiative reflects her ongoing commitment to innovation and accessibility in education funding.

Beyond her work at ISL, Shelly is an active advocate for financial literacy across the state. Her involvement with Iowa Jump$tart, a coalition dedicated to advancing financial education, has allowed her to connect with like-minded professionals and contribute to events like the annual Educator’s Retreat. She also integrates many of these valuable resources into her SP3 content, ensuring families receive the most relevant and practical guidance available.

When she’s not championing financial literacy, Shelly enjoys the simple pleasures of life—spending time in her flower gardens, enjoying the outdoors, and relaxing with her three beloved cats (who she assures us do not make her a crazy cat lady!).

Shelly’s work is a testament to the power of education, communication, and compassion. Through her efforts, countless Iowa families are better equipped to plan for the future—and that’s something truly worth celebrating.

Upcoming Events

Roadmaps to Retirement 2025

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Join us for Roadmaps to Retirement 2025: Global Lessons and Paths Ahead. This event will continue our discussion on strategies to improve retirement security at the retirement system level. The roundtable discussion will focus on the private retirement savings landscape in the US and how it compares to countries such as the United Kingdom and Australia. The roundtable will address both retirement savings accumulation and retirement income options, current policies and regulations, and future goals. 

Ahead of the roundtable discussion, we will be hosting a networking lunch! It is free to attend, but you must select in-person attendance WITH lunch when registering via Eventbrite. 

Event Details

Date and Time:

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

1:00 – 3:30 p.m. CT
*Optional networking lunch from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. CT

Location: Tom and Ruth Harkin Center (2800 University Ave., Des Moines, IA 50311) and Zoom Livestream

Cost: Free!

Accommodations: 

American Sign Language and live-captioning (CART) in English will be provided for all attendees. Additional accommodation requests can be requested by emailing harkininstitute@drake.edu. 

Register Now

Member Minute, News/Accolades

August 2025 Partner Spotlight

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Dan James, a dedicated high school math teacher at Dallas Center-Grimes High School, is making a powerful impact both in and out of the classroom. Teaching all of the school’s financial literacy courses as well as a geometry class, Dan has become a cornerstone of financial education for his students. His influence extends beyond academics—he also coaches the girls’ high school soccer team and leads the local Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) huddle, building strong relationships and modeling leadership for the next generation.

Dan’s passion for teaching financial literacy stems from personal experience. Having learned some key financial lessons the hard way, he recognized the importance of equipping students with the knowledge to make smarter decisions early in life. What began 15 years ago as a small elective with only eight students has now grown into a graduation requirement at DCG—proof of Dan’s vision and the value students and families see in the course. His ability to connect curriculum to real-world situations has made a lasting difference in the lives of his students.

Favorite Classroom Resources: In his classroom, Dan makes great use of high-quality resources like Next Gen Personal Finance (NGPF) and the MIMIC personal finance simulation, helping students experience realistic scenarios that prepare them for life beyond high school. He is constantly seeking to improve and innovate, and credits organizations like Jump$tart for giving him opportunities to learn from other educators—both locally and at the national level. These connections have helped him bring fresh ideas and strategies back to his own school community.

Outside of his professional life, Dan enjoys traveling with his family and hunting during the fall and winter months. Whether in the classroom, on the court, or in the outdoors, Dan brings commitment, authenticity, and a desire to serve—qualities that make him a truly outstanding educator.

Member Minute, News/Accolades

July 2025 Partner Spotlight

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As Marketing Coordinator for the Iowa Bankers Association (IBA), Disa Erickson plays a role in supporting the organization’s mission to strengthen financial literacy across Iowa. Through leadership and coordination, the IBA equips member banks with key resources to help their customers achieve financial success and stay protected from fraud. These resources include best practice sharing, communication tools, sponsorship opportunities, and support for community outreach programs.

       Disa manages several of the IBA’s signature marketing programs, including the Student Athlete Achievement Awards, the Scenes of Iowa Calendars, and the annual Directory of Financial Institutions. She also leads the planning and execution of the association’s Iowa PBS Festival banker volunteer night and the IBA Convention silent auction. In addition to event and project management, she oversees the organization’s CRM system data and coordinates the marketing peer group to foster collaboration among industry professionals.

       Her contribution to financial education extends beyond her day-to-day responsibilities through her involvement with Iowa Jump$tart. Since stepping into her role at Iowa Bankers nearly five years ago, Disa has served on Iowa Jump$tart’s communications committee and currently chairs the group. Her efforts have helped expand the coalition’s reach and impact through newsletters and initiatives that share valuable financial education resources across the state.

        Outside of her professional commitments, Disa enjoys spending quality time with her husband and their 20-month-old daughter, Vivienne. She also enjoys taking PowerLife barre classes and binge-watching a good TV series.

News/Accolades

Branching Out & Blooming Bright: Highlights from our Financial Literacy Educator Retreat

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The June 27, 2025 Iowa Jump$tart Financial Literacy Retreat was a blooming success! Hosted at a beautiful Iowa attraction surrounded by vibrant gardens and leafy trees, this special event brought together a dedicated group of educators to focus on strengthening financial literacy in classrooms across the state.

Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors—ISL Education Lending, Youth Development Fund, Community Choice Credit Union, and the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services—the retreat was completely free for attendees. In fact, several educators were able to enjoy overnight accommodations and received a $50 travel stipend, ensuring access from all corners of the state.

Highlights That Made Us Grow

The retreat opened with engaging presentations from Kevin Gartman (Montezuma HS) and Mike Johnson (CFP and former SE Polk HS Educator). They shared insights into the Personal Finance Challenge, a dynamic competition where students step into the role of a CFP and work through emotional, real-world case studies. It’s financial learning that goes far beyond the numbers.

Later, educators took time to explore the stunning gardens—complete with flowers in full bloom and even a replica of a classic schoolhouse, a charming and fitting surprise. These quiet moments offered time to reflect, recharge, and connect.

A major moment of celebration came when Carissa Lewis from Ames High School was awarded a scholarship to attend the National Educator Conference (NEC) in Boston—a well-deserved honor! If you are an educator interested in going too, there is still time to apply to get the 2 other all expense paid scholarships. See details on the NEC website.

Hands-On Learning and Big Takeaways

With only 8 educators from middle and high shool in attendance, the retreat felt personal, interactive, and truly impactful. Sessions sparked meaningful conversations and practical takeaways. A standout was the retirement planning game, which helped teachers understand just how eye-opening Social Security estimates can be.

Participants left with classroom-ready materials, lots of resources from exhibitors, and ideas they can implement right away.

Thank You to Our Amazing Speakers

Special thanks to our engaging speakers:

  • Mike Johnson from TeacherWealth
  • Kevin Gartman from Montezuma High School
  • Heather Gaumer from Sallie Mae
  • Carolyn Steckelberg from Iowa State University’s Department of Human Development & Family Studies
  • Heather Kriener from the Iowa Insurance Division

Their expertise helped make the day both educational and inspiring.

Looking Ahead

We’re already growing plans for next year’s retreat, which will once again offer free accommodations and travel support. Want to be the first to know about future events? Subscribe to our blog or newsletter for updates, resources, and opportunities all year long.

Let’s keep planting the seeds of financial literacy—together.

Member Minute, News/Accolades

June 2025 Partner Spotlight

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Erick Danielson is the Vice President of Programs at the Iowa College Access Network (ICAN), an organization dedicated to helping students and families prepare for life after high school. Through ICAN, Erick plays a key role in delivering financial literacy and college planning resources across the state.

ICAN offers one-on-one appointments—both virtual and in-person—to assist families with completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and reviewing financial aid offers from colleges and universities. In addition to these appointments, ICAN hosts a range of events called How to Pay for College, held virtually, in communities, and in schools throughout Iowa. These sessions typically begin in students’ sophomore or junior years, helping them prepare for the financial aid process well before senior year.

Erick’s responsibilities are broad and hands-on. “I supervise the day-to-day operations of all the ICAN locations state-wide,” he says, “as well as hold appointments, presentations, and FAFSA events in my territory in Central Iowa.” His involvement ensures that families across the state have access to accurate, timely information as they navigate college costs.

He is also a very active member of Iowa Jump$tart. “Iowa Jump$tart has been a great organization to be involved with over the years,” Erick says. “I have made some great friends and connections.” One highlight for him is the annual Financial Literacy Challenge, held each April. “I have had the pleasure of being a judge 3–4 times for the event and it is amazing to see the presentations students put together from a case study they just got that day and have an hour to come up with a game plan. Love seeing the different ways the students tackle the case study. I am always wishing I knew at their age what they have learned already.”

Outside of his professional work, Erick enjoys sports—both watching and playing—but says his favorite activity is his family’s yearly beach vacation. “If I had to choose one thing, it would be our family’s annual beach vacation to Destin, Florida. I absolutely love being a ‘Beach Bum’ down there.”

Through his leadership at ICAN and engagement with Iowa Jump$tart, Erick Danielson continues to support students and families as they prepare for one of life’s biggest financial decisions: paying for college.

Contests, News/Accolades

The 2025 Econ and Finance Challenges Results

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Finance Challenge Finalists

Each year, the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition, with support from the National Council for Economic Education, hosts two major statewide competitions: the Economics Challenge and the Iowa Personal Finance Challenge. These events offer students a platform to demonstrate their understanding of economic and financial literacy through competitive, interactive experiences. This year, both competitions were held at the Iowa State Research Park Economic Development Core Facility.

Economics Challenge – April 9

On April 9, students from across Iowa participated in the annual Economics Challenge. This online competition tested their knowledge of economic principles through a series of examinations. Participants competed against peers statewide, showcasing their academic skills and earning cash prizes, awards, and recognition for their achievements.

2025 Economics Challenge Finalists:

  • Adam Smith Division
    • West Senior High School (1st and 2nd)
    • Clarinda High School
  • David Ricardo Division
    • Montezuma High School (1st)
    • St. Ansgar High School (2nd)
    • Ankeny Centennial High School
    • Clarinda High School
  • Middle School Division
    • West Middle School
    • Anamosa Middle School
    • Clarinda Middle School
    • Montezuma Middle School

Personal Finance Challenge – April 16

A week later, on April 16, the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition held the Iowa Personal Finance Challenge. This event brought together the top-performing high school teams from fall and spring regional competitions for a live state championship.

Teams were assigned fictional case studies and tasked with creating financial recommendations for their assigned client. Their presentations were evaluated by a panel of judges comprising economists, business leaders, and financial professionals.

2025 Personal Finance Challenge Finalists:

  • High School Division
    • Montezuma High School (1st)
    • Waukee Northwest High School (2nd)
    • Lake Mills High School (3rd)
    • Kingsley-Pierson High School
    • Clarinda High School
    • Bellevue High School
    • St. Ansgar High School
  • Middle School Division
    • Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School
    • Montezuma Middle School
    • West Middle School
    • Clarinda Middle School

These competitions continue to promote financial literacy and economic understanding among Iowa’s youth, equipping them with valuable skills for the future.

Economics Challenge Winners and Finalists