Jordan Scholars Visit Iowa Legislature

State Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines of Des Moines and several local lawmakers hosted the James Jordan Scholars at the State Capitol on Wednesday, December 2. The Scholars are a class of 17 high school juniors from Des Moines & West Des Moines who are learning about Jordan’s role in the Underground Railroad and his contributions to Iowa in the fields of civil rights, banking, agriculture, government, insurance, education and transportation.

While at the State Capitol, the scholars took a tour, got a rare book viewing in the State Law Library, and heard presentations from legislators with a question and answer period.

The goal of the James Jordan Scholars program is to provide enriching opportunities for students to learn more about Iowa history and their own community.