Des Moines Prep and Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates are partnering to develop a comprehensive, schoolwide college and career preparation curriculum designed to equip students with the skills, experiences and knowledge necessary for success after high school, the organizations announced.

The curriculum will integrate Des Moines Prep’s curriculum framework – which emphasizes career exploration, personal finance, professionalism, and college preparation – with iJAG’s model of career readiness, employer engagement and postsecondary planning. A unique feature of the partnership is all Des Moines Prep students will be enrolled in the program starting in August.

“This is an exciting new partnership for us because our goal is to create a learning environment that best prepares our students for success in college, careers and life,” Matt Lakis, founding principal at Des Moines Prep, said in a news release. “We want to support every student by providing academic excellence and real-world skills, so tapping into iJAG’s expertise will help us better equip our students for success, while also establishing Des Moines Prep as a leader in holistic college and career preparation.”

Des Moines Prep is a new public charter school opening in August at 106 E. Locust St. in Des Moines’ East Village. The school, operated by Omaha-based Opportunity Education, is expected to have a founding class of about 150 ninth-grade students. Each year, a new class of ninth-graders will be added so that by the 2028-29 school year, Des Moines Prep is serving 600 to 700 students in ninth through 12th grades.

iJAG college and career education specialists will be embedded within Des Moines Prep’s faculty. The program will provide students with hands-on career exposure, leadership development, individualized support in navigating college and job pathways, and work-based learning opportunities. Every student will have the opportunity to go on college visits and participate in community service activities, allowing them to connect with mentors and build professional skills.

The partnership “leverages the strengths of both organizations to create a first-of-its-kind, pioneering approach to postsecondary readiness here in Des Moines,” Wendy Mihm-Herold, iJAG president and CEO, said in a prepared statement. The partnership “fits our own mission, which focuses on career exploration, skill development, leadership, and work-based learning partnerships for students statewide.”

The building that will house Des Moines Prep is being remodeled to include a gymnasium, classrooms and a student union.