August 25, 2026
By: Jessica Adams
Finding Confidence, Connections and Career Paths
Over six weeks, nearly 400 high school students gathered in Des Moines and five other locations across the Midwest for The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective, developing professional skills, exploring potential careers and building confidence along the way. The Career Ready Collective is funded by the Principal Charity Classic with support from Sammons Financial Group.
“The growth I saw in the students’ confidence and professional skills was incredible,” said Krista Van Hooser-Perin, Director of Workforce at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “The student who wouldn’t make eye contact during week one and barely spoke above a whisper, said goodbye on our last day with a firm handshake and a bright smile.”
While those lessons looked different for each student, communication, confidence and connection emerged as common themes. That growth was reflected in feedback from the students: 40% of participants who began the program feeling neutral or not confident, reported confidence increased by the end of the six weeks. For many, that started with becoming more comfortable communicating in professional settings.
See what students have to say about the Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective:
“My biggest takeaway was getting more comfortable with public speaking and specifically in a professional setting,” Marley McMahon shared.
Conor McMahon and Alfredo Muñoz felt similarly. Conor said the program helped him build confidence in his professionalism both in and outside career settings, while Alfredo came away with a greater understanding of just how important communication can be.
![students at a career fair]()
Pursuing Opportunities in Greater Des Moines
As students became more comfortable making connections and communicating, they began to explore what their futures could look like.
“I feel like the college and career fair were really important to help me plan where I want to go,” Blake Newton explained. After talking with representatives from the University of Iowa, Newton said he now wants to attend the university and has a better understanding of what his major could look like.
Griffin McMahon had a similar experience. Through a networking activity, he learned about different career opportunities, including actuarial science, as well as the importance of pursuing internships before and during college.
As many students considered next steps, they also learned the importance of pursuing opportunities, asking important questions and being open to where their career paths may lead.
“Just go for it,” Stephanie Smith said. “Even if you don’t feel like you’re prepared, I think you should just go for the opportunity. If you don’t get it, that’s fine. There’s always other opportunities, but you have to put in the effort.”
![a woman speaking to a group of students]()
Matthew Burch learned that communication with potential employers goes both ways. Asking questions about the workplace and environment, he said, can help students determine whether an opportunity is the right fit for them.
Reagan Zahn said, “I learned that the path for your future career isn’t always straight or linear, but it’s okay to change your mind about things.”
For these students, the six-week program provided lessons they’ll carry with them whether their next step is college or entering the workforce. It’s clear the impact of The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective extends beyond six weeks, giving students the confidence and skills to navigate whatever path comes next.
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