Des Moines Summer Program Equips High Schoolers with Career Skills

The Greater Des Moines Partnership's 'Career Ready Collective' aims to address the skills gap and prepare students for future success.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Greater Des Moines Partnership is launching a six-week summer program called the 'Career Ready Collective' that will provide high school students with training in crucial professional skills like leadership, communication, time management, and financial literacy. The program, held at Principal's corporate offices, is developed in collaboration with Drake University and focuses on work-based learning to give students practical experience.

Why it matters

For years, employers have voiced concerns about a widening skills gap, where job seekers lack the specific skills needed for available positions. Programs like the Career Ready Collective directly address this issue by equipping students with foundational competencies for success in virtually any career path.

The details

The Career Ready Collective program runs from June 12th to July 24th and incorporates a stipend to remove barriers to participation for students from diverse backgrounds. The curriculum was developed in partnership with Drake University's Robert D. And Billie Ray Center to ensure relevance and alignment with evolving workforce needs. In addition to skills training, the program provides networking opportunities with business professionals to give students real-world experience.

  • The Career Ready Collective program runs from June 12th to July 24th, 2026.
  • Registration for the program closes on May 31st, 2026 or once capacity is reached.

The players

Greater Des Moines Partnership

The largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa, administering the Career Ready Collective program.

Drake University's Robert D. And Billie Ray Center

Collaborated with the Greater Des Moines Partnership to develop the curriculum for the Career Ready Collective program.

Principal

Hosting the Career Ready Collective program at their corporate offices in Des Moines.

Jenae Sikkink

Senior Vice President of Talent Development and Inclusive Strategies at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, the contact for learning more about the program.

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What’s next

Registration for the 2026 Career Ready Collective program closes on May 31st or once the program reaches capacity.

The takeaway

The emphasis on career readiness exemplified by the Greater Des Moines Partnership's Career Ready Collective program is likely to intensify in the coming years as technology continues to disrupt industries and create new job roles. By equipping high school students with foundational professional skills and work-based learning experiences, programs like this are paving the way for a more prepared and competitive future workforce.