The Legacy Project Expands Career Ready Collective, Introduces First Out-of-State Site
Program grows to 390 students across five satellite site and two states
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (May 19, 2026) – The Greater Des Moines Partnership announced the expansion of The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective from two satellite sites in 2025 to five in 2026, including its first out-of-state location in St. Paul, Minnesota.
These additional sites build on the program’s original Greater Des Moines location, which continues to serve high school students from across the region. Funded by the Principal® Charity Classic’s Legacy Project, with support from Sammons Financial Group, the program will reach nearly 400 students across two states — marking a more than 45% increase in students served compared to 2025.
"The continued growth of Career Ready Collective reflects the commitment we’re seeing from communities to invest in their future workforce,” said Krista Van Hooser-Perin, Director of Workforce at The Partnership. “Because each site is locally driven and supported, students gain meaningful, career-connected experiences while employers help shape their future talent pipeline.”
The 2026 satellite sites include:
- Cedar Rapids (returning | 50 students) — Doubling enrollment from 2025, supported by Cedar Rapids Community School District through Iowa STEM BEST grant funding, with additional support from the Zach Johnson Foundation.
- Newton (new | 25 students) — Launching in partnership with the Newton Area Chamber of Commerce and Newton Community School District to support early talent development.
- Pella (returning | 50 students) — Expanding efforts to connect students to career pathways in a smaller labor market, in collaboration with the Pella Area Community & Economic Alliance, Marion County Economic Development Commission and Pella WorkSMART Connector.
- Perry (new | 25 students) — Partnering with DMACC's Vankirk Career Academy in Perry to extend career-connected learning and supported by Perry Economic Development, Inc. and Future Ready Perry.
- St. Paul, Minnesota (new | 40 students) — First out-of-state site, launched in partnership with the St. Paul Area Chamber and Right Track, a City of St. Paul program serving youth facing barriers to employment.
"When young people can see a future for themselves, entire communities grow stronger,” said Jo Christine Miles, Director of Principal® Foundation and Community Relations at Principal Financial Group®. “The continued expansion of The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective across Iowa and into St. Paul represents an investment not only in students, but in the future workforce, leadership and vitality of our region. Together, we are helping more young people access meaningful career exploration, mentorship and pathways to long-term success.”
The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective connects students to hands-on career exploration and skill-building experiences aligned with regional workforce needs. Each 2026 satellite site is launched and led through partnerships among local employers, chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, school districts and workforce organizations across participating communities.
The program is funded by the Principal Charity Classic’s Legacy Project, with support from Sammons Financial Group and additional sponsorship by The Mutual Group and Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa. Curriculum and programming are developed by The Partnership with support from the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.
Registration closes May 31 or when capacity is reached.
For more information about the Career Ready Collective, visit DSMpartnership.com.
About the 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. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.
About Principal Charity Classic
Golf Charitable Foundation of Greater Des Moines, operating as Principal Charity Classic, is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) organization focused on providing philanthropic support to youth serving programs across the State of Iowa. While Principal Charity Classic receives funding from Principal Financial Group® and Principal® Foundation, Principal Charity Classic is a distinct, independent, charitable entity.
About Principal® Foundation
Principal Financial Group Foundation, Inc. (“Principal® Foundation”) is a duly recognized 501(c)(3) entity focused on providing philanthropic support to programs that build financial security in the communities where Principal Financial Group, Inc. (“Principal”) operates. While Principal Foundation receives funding from Principal, Principal Foundation is a distinct, independent, charitable entity. Principal Foundation does not practice any form of investment advisory services and is not authorized to do so.