About Project Iowa

Project Iowa is not just an organization – it’s a community that believes in the power of connecting people to their purpose to find meaningful & stable careers.

About Project Iowa

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Everyone has purpose + value

Our program leads people on all walks of life through self-exploration to find (or rediscover) their purpose, which can lead to a fulfilling, stable career. Whether you have a PhD or a high school diploma, our program has the power to change your life!

Since 2011, our programs have opened doors to discover self-worth, a career that offers a livable wage, and stability for individuals and/or their families.

Ignite your professional journey

  • Purpose

    Our reason for being at work, home, and in life

  • Stability

    Finding, staying, and growing at work, home, and in life

  • Career

    Finding meaning through work

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“At Project IOWA, we believe that meaningful work changes lives—and that everyone deserves the chance to discover their purpose, grow their confidence, and build a stable future.”

I do this work because I’ve seen what’s possible when people are given the right support at the right time. It’s not just about jobs—it’s about hope, dignity, and the ripple effect that happens when individuals, families, and communities begin to thrive.

Julie Fugenschuh, Executive Director

Helping you chase your dreams

Project IOWA (Iowa Opportunities for Work Advancement) was born out of community listening sessions in 2008, where Central Iowans voiced the same concern: the lack of access to livable-wage employment. At the same time, businesses struggled to find skilled workers. In response, local leaders and organizers formed Project IOWA in 2010 to bridge this gap—connecting individuals to meaningful careers and employers to a skilled, supported workforce.

Inspired by the Project QUEST model in Texas, Project IOWA launched its first training classes in 2012, offering industry-recognized certifications paired with holistic support and life skills development. Built on a foundation of purpose, career, and stability, the organization grew through strong business partnerships, individualized coaching, and a commitment to serving people at no cost.

Over the years, Project IOWA has expanded its reach through programs like YouthWorks for high school students, CIRCA for justice-involved individuals, Infinite Recovery for those overcoming substance use, and the innovative Rooted Model, which places career coaching directly in community spaces like food pantries.

From its humble beginnings to now, Project IOWA has remained focused on removing barriers to employment, supporting whole-person development, and helping Iowans not just find jobs—but build lives of purpose and stability.

By deepening relationships with local businesses and evolving our training programs, Project IOWA is creating more pathways to meaningful employment and stronger communities.

Learn About Partnerships
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We’re making an impact.

Project IOWA empowers individuals to find their purpose, build meaningful careers, and create lasting stability. Guided by our core pillars—Purpose, Career, and Stability—we support people as they take steps toward a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities. We’re more than a workforce program—we’re a community that listens, encourages, and believes in what’s possible. See our impact in action by exploring our annual reports.

Annual Reports
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650+

people reached in the last year taking programs or getting support

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1082+

hours of curriculum and coaching toward career placement

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90%

graduate employment placement rate

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Meet the team behind the work.

Our dedicated staff, skilled facilitators, and committed board members bring compassion, expertise, and a shared belief in people’s potential to everything they do. Together, they create the supportive environment that makes growth possible at Project IOWA.

Meet Our Team
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Financials

We are committed to transparency and accountability in all that we do.

View Financials
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Community Partners

We partner with nonprofits and community organizations to connect resources, remove barriers, and help more Iowans access meaningful, stable work.

Let’s Work Together
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Job Opportunities

Explore job opportunities today—your future is just a click away.

View Opportunities

Support   Project IOWA

Help more individuals in our community connect with their purpose and find a meaningful, stable career. Our programs give people of all walks of life the skill sets and tools they need to thrive personally and professionally.

Make a donation
“I felt stuck at my dead-end fast-food job and I was financially struggling. I had made a lot of bad decisions in my past and so I had a criminal background, which made it hard to look for anything else, and I had limited work history that mostly consisted of fast food, retail, merchandising, and telemarketing. I desperately wanted a “real” job, a “good” job, a “better” job, but I believed where I was at was all I deserved.”
Rachel M. Cultivating Careers Graduate
“I have seen Project Iowa help so many people, including myself. There’s a lot of nonprofit organizations out there, and I question the actual impact some of them make in the community. Project Iowa really does make an impact. All of the staff works very hard and is always willing to help, even after your time in the program. They simply want to help people like me find employment. They ask for nothing in return. I personally think that they are making a huge impact in our community.”
Allison S. Cultivating Careers Graduate
“One of my goals and dreams was to find a career passion in Iowa, and I’m now learning so much about environmental management careers in Iowa for the first time. Very much inspired by our course together. Thank you!”
Christi Cultivating Careers Graduate
“There isn’t a demographic out there that shouldn’t use Project IOWA. I am probably in the minority that I had a successful career and had to start over. I know it is hard on the ego of that type of person to probably ask for help, but I gained so much personally and professionally from this experience!”
Kiron A. Cultivating Careers Graduate
“Project Iowa matters because the world we live in is confusing and difficult to navigate alone. Everyone experiences unique obstacles and needs a little support sometimes. It is important to have outlets like Project Iowa for people to receive support in achieving their goals. Project Iowa can help people understand their strengths and use them as leverage to achieve their success. The more successful people are at achieving their goals, the more they contribute and give back to their community as productive individuals.”
Kim B. Cultivating Careers Graduate
“The help and positive energy here is contagious. I have recommended the program to lots of people. I was struggling with life decisions and then I came to Project IOWA. It showed me that whoever you are, you matter and don’t ever forget that. We are all entitled to happiness in our lives.”
Victoria M. Cultivating Careers Graduate
“There isn’t a demographic out there that shouldn’t use it. I am probably in the minority that I had a successful career and had to start over. I know it is hard on the ego of that type of person to ask for help, but I gained so much personality and professionally from this experience!”
Kiron A. Cultivating Careers Graduate
“When I started Cultivating Careers with Project IOWA, it was very intentional from the staff perspective. I had my one-on-one time with my mentor and it was like, ‘What is the job description? Let’s look at your resume and craft it. What is your elevator pitch?’ and took me outside of my comfort zone, but that is where you are the strongest, that is where you stretch yourself. It helped me understand that I am not just bound to just this and I am more than just a set of words that I wrote in my resume. I can present that very loud and clear in that interview enrollment. I was very grateful for that support.”
Jelena B. Cultivating Careers Graduate