Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) is excited to announce our annual State Career Development Conference (CDC) on March 26, 2026, at the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines.
Each year, iJAG brings together 11th–12th grade students from across the state for a full day of career exploration, employer-led workshops, networking, and a career fair. Students also participate in nine competitive events that showcase their professionalism, communication, and career-readiness skills. First-place winners in each category earn an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Career Development Conference (NCDC).
Save the Date: Become a Virtual Judge
Who: iJAG employer partners, community partners, donors, and iJAG ambassadors
What: Volunteer as a in-person judge for CDC competitions
When: March 26th, 2026 | 9AM-2PM
Where: Iowa Event Center - Community Choice Convention Center
Why: Your scoring determines which students are guaranteed a spot to represent iJAG at the national level against other JAG state affiliates in Salt Lake City, Utah.
What to Expect as a Volunteer Judge
This opportunity requires you to be available in person from 9AM to 2PM. You must be able to stay the entire duration until your competition category has been completed. As a judge you will evaluate students content, delivery, confidence, and overall professionalism. You will be provided lunch.
A rubric and clear instructions will be provided.
Categories include:
Business Plan
Career Preparation
Creative Decision Making
Employment Skills
The L.O.V.E. Project
PBL Showcase
Prepared Speaking
