Wellmark Foundation $25K contribution supports iJAG student leadership conferences
The Wellmark Foundation has awarded Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates $25,000 to assist with iJAG’s fall leadership development conference and spring career development conference. More than 300 middle and high school students from 42 Iowa cities were provided an opportunity earlier this month to learn about a potential career in the health care industry and hone their leadership skills during the iJAG fall leadership development conference in Des Moines. During the Nov. 9 conference, students heard a keynote presentation from Dr. Tim Gutshall, Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield’s senior medical director. “iJAG gives a voice to the voiceless and helps them see that they can be all that they want to be even if they’re told that they can’t,” said Laurie Phelan, iJAG president and CEO. “The Wellmark Foundation sponsorship makes all the difference to these young people and helps transform their lives. It also shows them organizations want to help them be successful now, and later when they’re deciding on a career.”