The Greater Des Moines Story: Talent Development

connecting students to opportunity
May 27, 2026
By: Greater Des Moines Partnership

Senior Hiring Event Connects Graduating Seniors with Local Employers

According to Iowa Workforce Development, about 40% of Iowa high school graduates planning to go directly into the workforce. To help bridge the gap between those graduates and local employers looking for talent, the Greater Des Moines Partnership collaborated with the Ankeny Community School District to launch Ankeny’s first Senior Hiring Event on March 24, 2026.

Recruiting Events in Greater Des Moines

Iowa Workforce Development, the Iowa Department of Education and Teri Vos, Director, WorkSMART Connector, created a step-by-step playbook for other communities to consider (view the playbook). The benefits of networking early are clear for both companies and young job seekers.

Find more information on Iowa Workforce Development at workforce.iowa.gov. Read the full blog post on how the Senior Hiring Event bridges the gap between students and real-world opportunities here.

Keep up with the momentum that's happening in and around Greater Des Moines (DSM) when you subscribe to one or all of the Greater Des Moines Partnership's newsletters — they're packed with the latest news, highlighting everything from upcoming events to development projects to policy updates. Join the mailing list to connect with The Partnership and help amplify stories from around the region.

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Greater Des Moines Partnership

The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy.

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