Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services, Iowa Valley Community College District, WIOA Title I and IowaWORKS partnered together for the 2019 Limelight Leadership Academy, our third annual program. The week-long event focused on self-employment and entrepreneurship, where young adult participants were teamed up based on the values they identified. The teams created a product or service to present at the end of the week to our very own version of Shark Tank.

The majority of the week focused on market research, finances, the teams’ digital footprints and development of the prototype. Each team approached these tasks in different ways by solving a problem they face or someone they know faces. Activities included calling companies and speaking to people in the community about their products. Each day of the week also had an employment spotlight featuring different employment options (apprenticeships, military careers, a job right of high school and more). Students also had a chance to learn life skills each day like managing their finances, basic vehicle maintenance, CPR and more.

We couldn’t have all work and no play, so on the last day the participants celebrated with a graduation party, laser tag, a fun workout and team building games. Overall, the week was a success but we couldn’t have done it without our generous sponsors.

We sincerely thank the following partners and businesses: Marshalltown Hy-Vee, Marshalltown Taco John’s, Second Mile Grinnell, T.L. Baker & Co, Iowa Ave. Casey’s Marshalltown, Mama Digrado’s, JBS & Nico Aguirre, Fareway Toledo, Fareway Marshalltown, Fareway Eldora, Dairy Queen Marshalltown Northside, Blaine’s on Main, Steve Faulkner, Christoph Truemper, Kwik Star Marshalltown, Bauder Consulting & Leigh Bauder, Stephen Troskey, Scott Szurek, Jennifer Weitzell, Erik Glass, Kevin Keen, Ron Klostermann, Neysa Hartzler, Jennifer Rice, Alicia Blankenfeld & Total Choice Shipping, Army National Guard, U.S. Marines, Hotel Grinnell, Iowa Premium Beef, Marshall County Cattlemen’s Association, Conagra, Nestle, Mediacom, BAC Local 3, MaryAnne Nickle and Magna.