Register for the Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective Summer Program for High School Students to Strengthen Future Workforce
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 4, 2026) – Registration is now open for The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective, a six-week, community-driven career development program designed to help high school students build professional skills and explore future career pathways.
The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective supports central Iowa’s broader workforce readiness and talent development efforts by connecting students with employers, business professionals and community leaders, building a strong regional talent pipeline while students explore real-world career opportunities.
The program, entering its third year, is funded by the Principal Charity Classic’s Legacy Project with support from Sammons Financial Group and additional sponsorship by The Mutual Group and Sycamore Capital. Curriculum and programming are developed by the Greater Des Moines Partnership with support from the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University, reflecting a shared, cross-sector commitment to preparing youth for the future of work
“Helping students see how their interests and strengths connect to real careers is a critical part of building a strong regional talent pipeline,” said Krista Van Hooser-Perin, Director of Workforce at the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “This program brings employers and students together in meaningful ways, giving young people exposure to professional expectations and helping them envision a future for themselves right here in Greater Des Moines.”
2026 Program Overview
The Career Ready Collective serves high school students from across the Greater Des Moines region who are interested in building professional skills and exploring career pathways. The program runs for six weeks, between June and July, with participants receiving a stipend for the sessions they attend. Registration and parent or guardian permission are required.
Programming for the first five weeks will take place Fridays from 12:30 – 3:30 p.m. at Principal® corporate offices, with one session moved to Thursday due to a federal holiday. The program concludes with a celebration event on Friday, July 24, from Noon – 2 p.m.
Career Readiness Focus Areas
The curriculum focuses on foundational professional skills that support success in the workplace and post-secondary environments, including:
- Professional presence and communication
- Time, stress and energy management
- Personal finance and goal setting
Following expansion in 2025 to Cedar Rapids and Pella, which utilized the curriculum and participated in livestreamed sessions, the Career Ready Collective grew its presence across the region and state. Students and parents have given the program overwhelmingly positive feedback, with 94% of participants saying they would attend again and/or invite a friend.
"The Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective gives students the chance to discover what’s possible for their future while gaining real-world skills and confidence,” said Jo Christine Miles, Director, Principal® Foundation and Community Relations. “By supporting opportunities that bring students and employers together, we’re helping to strengthen our communities and build our future workforce. Principal® Foundation is proud to support efforts that create meaningful pathways for young people to succeed.”
2026 Career Ready Collective Session Schedule
- Friday, June 12: Demonstrating Leadership through Professional Presence, Meaningful Communication for Connection plus a Professional Networking Event
- Thursday, June 18: Personal Finance, Foundations for Goal Achievement including a Hands-on Financial Literacy Challenge
- Friday, June 26: Showcasing Your Strengths, Knowing and Telling Your Story and a College Fair
- Friday, July 10: From Chaos to Calm: Time & Stress Management, Knowing and Sustaining Boundaries plus a Career Fair
- Friday, July 17: Interview Like a Pro, Mastering Care-Frontation including a Mock Interview Experience
- Friday, July 24: Celebration Luncheon, Certificate Ceremony and Small Group Reflection
Participants who are 18 or parent/guardians of minor participants can click on this registration link to sign the electronic permission form and register. Registration will close May 31, or when capacity is reached.
To learn more about youth participation and sponsorship opportunities, contact Krista Van Hooser-Perin, Director of Workforce at The Partnership or visit The Partnership’s website.
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 Greater Des Moines counties including: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Tama and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Business 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.