The James Jordan Scholars met Fall 2024 for a kick off of another amazing year of discovering why West Des Moines and Central Iowa offers a multitude of opportunities for professional and personal growth. This 8 month leadership program gives metro high school juniors the chance to explore areas in which James Jordan excelled, including governance, banking, philanthropy and agriculture.

 

After a kick off session with inspring words from West Des Moines Mayor Russ Trimble, the Scholars enjoyed creative and enlightening ice breakers designed to not only allow everyone to get to know one another but laid groundwork for expectations and opportunities for the program.

One of the most popular meetings for every class is a tour and discussion with business owners in Valley Junction, lead by the Valley Junction Foundation. This unique business community showcases independent owners and emphasizes sustainability and their pride in their neighborhood.

December: Scholars got a private tour of the amazing World Food Prize building in Des Moines, and spoke with Archivest Kate Levasseur about the critical part Iowa plays in feeding the world.

January: Scholars visited the Iowa Legislature and met with legislators who talked about the bills that are being discussed this session and how to work with others not of their party. Our thanks to Representatives Mary Madison, Eddie Andrews, Megan Srinivas and Brian Meyer for your time

February: James Jordan was an early Polk County Supervisor, and Supervisor Matt McCoy spoke about local government’s responsibilities and projects to benefit the county.

March: Long time sponsor West Bank again rolled out the red carpet for the Scholars, with the opportunity to learn about community service and professional growth from West Bank’s leadership.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

April: the Scholars visited the Brewer Family Farm near DeSoto and learned about agriculture from this family, who’ve been on the land since 1873!