Project Iowa

05/28/2026

After 3.5 years of community-driven research, learning, and collaboration, UpLift is thrilled to share that our final study findings are here! 🎉

Join us at the Final Findings event to hear directly from the research team, celebrate the connections and impact this journey has inspired, and be part of this exciting milestone with the UpLift community.

Register today at UpLiftIowa.org — we can’t wait to celebrate with you!

05/26/2026

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!

05/21/2026

A workforce development experience unlike any other in Iowa.

Cultivating Careers is Project Iowa’s signature four-week program, offered at no cost, designed to help individuals build confidence, develop essential skills, and take meaningful steps toward stable, purpose-driven employment.

Through a holistic approach that blends career exploration, life and job readiness, and personal growth, participants build a strong foundation for long-term success.

Learn more at https://projectiowa.org/what-we-do/cultivating-careers/

Project Iowa is not just an organization – it’s a community that believes in the power of connecting people to their purpose to find meaningful & stable careers.

05/19/2026

Please join us in congratulating our Communications and Marketing team member, Jamie Loggins-Evans, on graduating from the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute through Lead DSM.

Over the past nine months, Jamie has dedicated time to growing as a leader, building meaningful connections, and deepening their commitment to strengthening our community. We are incredibly proud of this accomplishment and grateful to have Jamie’s passion, creativity, and leadership as part of Project Iowa.

Congratulations, Jamie, on this well-deserved achievement! We can’t wait to see all the ways you continue to grow, lead, and make an impact throughout Central Iowa.

05/18/2026

We are so grateful to our incredible emcees, Rachel Manna and LaRae Stinson for this year’s Growth Gala.

Their stories were powerful, honest, and deeply inspiring, reminding all of us what growth, resilience, and opportunity truly look like.

From keeping the energy high to creating meaningful moments of connection, they played a huge role in making the night such a success.

Thank you for sharing your voices, your journeys, and your hearts with our community. We are better because of it.

05/18/2026

At this year’s Growth Gala, Project Iowa was proud to recognize Rick Levi as the recipient of the Tony Wilson Legacy Award—You Are Enough. Since joining the board in 2019, Rick has embodied what it truly means to give back—not just in words, but in action. What began as a desire to serve quickly became an all-in commitment to uplifting others and strengthening the community.

Rick’s impact reaches far beyond his role as a board member. He is a mentor, a connector, a problem-solver, a steadfast advocate and someone who shows up every time, without hesitation. His generosity of time, talent, and heart has helped create meaningful pathways for individuals pursuing stability, purpose, and career growth.

Like Tony Wilson, Rick leads with humility, compassion, and an unwavering belief in people. He has a unique ability to make others feel seen, valued, and capable and reminding them, in both word and action, that they are enough. His quiet leadership and deep commitment continue to leave a lasting mark on Project Iowa and the broader community we serve.

Help us in congratulating Rick Levi!

05/15/2026

Project Iowa is not just an organization – it’s a community that believes in the power of connecting people to their purpose to find meaningful & stable careers.

Discover more about Project Iowa in a conversation with Executive Director Julie Fugenschuh on the Ways to Work podcast.

Listen Here: https://youtu.be/5wkH-oZ4-mE?si=OsahAMLXIkaTzDP4

05/13/2026

Project Iowa is helping individuals obtain employment.

We offer a holistic workforce training program that addresses professional and personal growth and development. Obtaining meaningful, livable wage employment allows members in the community to contribute and succeed. No cost to participate.

When you sign up for Project Iowa's Cultivating Careers program you will:

*receive one-on-one coaching
*be given assistance finding employment
*gain more confidence
*build up your resume
*be provided wrap around support as needed

June 1-24, Monday-Wednesday, online, and in-person sessions all at no cost! Class time is 9:30-11:30 a.m. CST, In-Person, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Online.

Technology assistance and is available, including laptop checkout if needed.

Learn more on our website at projectiowa.org

Project Iowa is not just an organization – it’s a community that believes in the power of connecting people to their purpose to find meaningful & stable careers.

05/01/2026

Growth Gala 2026
The night was filled with energy, connection, and celebration. Together, we raised vital support for Project Iowa’s programs and came within reach of our stretch goal. An amazing reflection of the generosity and belief in the room.

Moments like this remind us what’s possible when a community comes together. Your support helps create real pathways to meaningful, stable employment, and we are so grateful to have you as part of this work.

Whether you joined us in person or supported from afar, you are part of this impact.