Tag: high school

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.

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
Challenges

Join the Quiz Bowl – Economics and Personal Finance Challenges are back!

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Attention Teachers!

Are you ready to bring some excitement into your classroom while helping your students sharpen their knowledge of Economics or Personal Finance? You still have a chance to join these Challenges – but hurry, the deadline to complete the steps is March 14, 2025!

Completing it is easy! Here’s how in less than 2 days:

  1. Register yourself for either the Personal Finance or Economics challenge and form student teams of up to 4 people while waiting for approval from the state coordinator. (takes up to 24 hours)
  2. Add your classroom teams on the official website and provide each student with their unique “access code.” (5 minutes)
  3. Let the students take the quiz through the “student access” button. (35 minutes)
  4. Check student scores and track their progress directly on the website. (see tutorial)

Why should you participate?

  • Pinpoint areas for improvement – Identify where your students excel and where they need extra support using their scores. Personal Finance Lessons and Economics Lessons are available to provide the students additional help.
  • State Finals Opportunity – If your team performs well, you’ll be invited to the State Finals, where you can network with other dedicated educators and high-achieving students as they compete for the top team.
  • Cash Prizes for the first and second place state winners!
  • National Finals Trip – Winning teams at the state level earn a travel expense-paid trip to the National Finals!
  • Recognition for Your School – State qualifying schools will be featured on the Iowa Jump$tart website, giving you and your students the recognition you deserve.

Still on the fence? Check out what other Iowa teachers and students are saying about this exciting opportunity!

Don’t miss this chance to engage your students in a fun, competitive learning experience while showcasing their skills on a bigger stage.

The challenges are sponsored by Iowa Jump$tart and the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

Job Opportunity, News/Accolades

Iowa Insurance Division High School Internships

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Who:  High School Juniors or Seniors, High School counselors, Parent of a High School Junior or Senior

What:  A paid summer internship with the Iowa Insurance Division (IID) for a qualifying junior or senior high school student

When: A 10-week program beginning approximately June 3, 2024

Where:  IID Office located at 1963 Bell Avenue, Des Moines, Iowa 

Are you aware of a junior or senior high school student in Iowa trying to decide what career field they wish to pursue? The Iowa Insurance Division has an opportunity we would like you to share with them where they will gain real world experience in the insurance industry through an internship as an insurance regulator. A student interested in areas of accounting, actuary science, computer science, data analytics, mathematics, economics, marketing, insurance or securities sales, investigations or prosecutions of administrative insurance law violations, criminal fraud investigations, insurance legislation and rulemaking, or communications may find this unique opportunity extremely appealing.   

Iowa is known as a global insurance hub, largely due to being the home of more than 214 domestic insurance companies.  Iowa’s insurance industry offers the most rewarding careers.  The insurance industry protects people’s livelihoods, builds wealth for the future, supports Iowa’s diverse economy and gives back generously to communities.  There are approximately 60,000 jobs in Iowa’s insurance industry with salaries 2.3 times higher than Iowa’s average salary.

Students will gain knowledge and exposure to the Iowa Insurance Division’s responsibilities to protect consumers by effectively and efficiently providing a fair, flexible, and positive regulatory environment.  Students chosen for this role will participate in performing our regulatory duties in addition to receiving insurance education course work.  These individuals will learn about the Iowa Insurance Division’s role in state-based insurance regulation, which includes the supervision of insurance companies, insurance agencies, and insurance agents. In addition to learning about each line of insurance (auto, home, life, health, etc.) the interns will also assist with evaluating insurance company market conduct and consumer complaints for compliance with state insurance regulations.

We offer competitive compensation, flexible work hours, and telework opportunities.  This opportunity is available for students across the state of Iowa.  The office location is in Des Moines however there are opportunities to work remotely up to 2 days per week with the balance of the week in our Des Moines office location.  Any junior or senior high school student who would like to explore an employment opportunity within the insurance industry through a summer internship with the Iowa Insurance Division may send a cover letter and resume to internships@iid.iowa.gov.  

More information may be found on our website. Apply today to insure your future tomorrow! Applications accepted through January 15, 2024.

Contests

Accounting Opportunities Experience and High School Case Competition

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The Iowa Society of CPAs’ Accounting Opportunities Experience

The Iowa Society of CPAs is excited to have partnered with other state CPA societies, AICPA, and Center for Audit Quality’s Accounting+ initiative to raise awareness of the accounting profession among high school (and middle school!) students through Accounting Opportunities Experience. A national campaign to bring CPAs into classrooms took place throughout the month of November. We even received a declaration from the governor of Iowa designating the month of November Accounting Opportunities Month! We held in-person presentations across the state to help high school students better understand opportunities in the business world. During 2023 Accounting Opportunities Experience, we reached 1676 Iowa high school students and presented in 39 different schools utilizing almost 50 CPA volunteer presenters! ISCPA is still accepting classrooms and continuing to give presentations throughout the year, not only in November! If you would like to bring CPAs into your classroom, please complete this 2-minute survey and a member of the Iowa Society of CPAs will contact you. Thank you for all you do to inspire the next generation of accounting professionals! 

The Iowa Society of CPAs’ High School Case Competition

The Iowa Society of CPAs (ISCPA) is excited to announce the Second Annual ISCPA High School Case Competition for the spring semester. This is a fantastic opportunity to expose students to the accounting profession! The case provides students an on-going, real-world learning experience – culminating in a day spent in person at a host company, either CPA firm or company, near you! This begins with an ISCPA member scheduling four visits to your accounting class this spring. Members will help supplement the accounting curriculum by teaching four accounting modules to prepare the students for the case. Topics include Accounts Receivable, Bad Debt Expense and other adjusting journal entries, Financing, and Financial Statement Analysis. After four classroom visits students will be ready for the Case Competition, which will be held towards the end of the spring semester in person at a host office. The case provides students the opportunity to finalize yearend financial statements and complete some basic financial statement analysis. In addition to accounting fundamentals, students will practice working in small teams and demonstrate presentation skills.

On the day of the Case Competition, students will be given the case to complete in small groups of approximately four students. ISCPA members will be on hand to assist the groups. During the office visit, students will also have an opportunity to tour the host company, meet a variety of accounting professionals, and enjoy a catered lunch courtesy of the host company. Teams will record and electronically submit their presentations. Once all teams have submitted their recordings, a panel of ISCPA members will judge the presentations and determine the winners. The winning team will be announced at the ISCPA Annual Meeting, receive an ISCPA High School Case Competition trophy, and each member of the winning team will receive a gift card. All participants will receive an ISCPA High School Case Competition t-shirt. This opportunity is open to all accounting students. No class is too big or too small. ISCPA staff will do all of the coordination! Does this sound of interest to you and your students? If so, please contact Natalie Harwood at nharwood@iacpa.org or 515-985-7104 to get signed up.

Contests, Upcoming Events

Team up to win the Finance Challenge!

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The Iowa Finance Challenge is a new online financial literacy program available for middle and high school students. This online competition includes 30 questions for students to test their knowledge on income and money management, spending and credit, and savings and investing. Students compete in teams of three or four in the challenge, and test individually to measure the knowledge they have gained.

In addition to providing students with a fun and engaging way to build their financial literacy knowledge, the challenge offers students the chance to win cash prizes. Prizes will be awarded in April during Money Smart Week to the first, second and third place winning teams. The first place team will receive $25 per team member, the second place team will receive $15 per team member, and the third place team will receive $10 per team member. Every team that participates also is registered for a drawing for a $100 gift card.

Teachers interested in having students participate in the challenge can contact Erica Vonk of the Iowa Center for Economic Education at Dordt College at 712-722-6341 or Erica.Vonk@Dordt.edu. The challenge is being facilitated and managed by the Iowa Center for Economic Education at Dordt College, and made possible through a joint sponsorship by the Iowa Jump$tart Coalition and Wells Fargo.

Visit their website at http://financechallenge.unl.edu and click on Iowa.