History

2010

Carmine Boal, former Governor Terry Branstad’s chief policy advisor, said Brandstad has committed to including the training program in his budget plans. The plan does many things that other workforce programs do, such as provide training and move people away from public assistance. But the beauty of Project IOWA is that it goes one step further. It partners those in the program with members of the community to provide mentoring, support, and accountability. And it will truly be the key to the success of this program.

2011

Project IOWA was established in 2011 to address the skilled workforce gap that was negatively affecting both individuals and businesses in Central Iowa. The founding board was tasked with identifying potential business partners, finding donors, and deciding what kind of training would be the best fit for the needs of the community. Initially, two training programs were started, one in Manufacturing and the other in Health Science. A number of local business partners signed up to work with Project IOWA including John Deere, Ziegler Cat, IBEW, Kevin Krause—PHCC, Health Systems, Karl Chevrolet, Accumold, Vermeer, Mercy, Firestone/Bridgestone, and Burke.

Partnering with 47 businesses for training and placement purposes including, ACH Foods (Tones), ALMACO, American Republic, Athene, Barilla, Bridgestone, Cementech, EFCO, General Mills, Goodwill Industries, Helena, Hubbell Realty, Intoxilock, Kemin, Keystone Electric, LDJ Manufacturing, Quality Resource Group (QRG), Rasmussen Group, Siegwerk USA Inc., TPI, UTC Aerospace, Vermeer, Wells Fargo, and WestWind Logistics.

2011

Julie Fugenschuh was hired as the first Executive Director.

2011

Project IOWA’s offices were located at the United Way building at 111 9th Street, Des Moines, IA. 

The following is the first promotional message used to introduce Project IOWA and its mission to provide accessible career training. 

“Project IOWA is a non-profit organization that provides training to people seeking better careers that offer a living wage. Complete three months of training, no financial aid required, just a commitment to do the work, and core skills training to address the challenges of finding a good job. Training sessions were quarterly in February, May, August, and November. Project IOWA programs and services are all free of charge.”

2012

First class was held in February 2012 offering Welding Certificates and CPT (Certified Production Technician) with DMACC and CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) with Mercy College.

Initial funding was from the following sources: Annie E. Casey Foundation, Central Iowa Works, Making Connections, Private Donations, OPUS Foundation, State of Iowa/WIA, and in-kind support AFCF. 

Tony Wilson along with Julie Fugenschuh wrote the curriculum that is still being used to this day. It has been adapted and updated as needed.

The Vision, Initiative, and Perseverance (VIP) (now what we know as Path to Purpose) component is a holistic, integrated approach to soft skill training. 

Classes conducted using a cohort format of no more than 12 individuals, technical training, short term-certificate programs, and relevant job training based on employer input. Skills that are taught include: goal setting, emotional management, adaptive cognitive skills, effective communication, workplace behaviors and expectations, and resume writing and interviewing. We offer ongoing support and continued contact with employers after participant placement. 

Sanctuary model is used in all of Project IOWA’s programs. It creates a safe, caring, supportive environment where participants can flourish.

Project IOWA adds more programming including Manufacturing Math, Quality Assurance, Forklift Certification, and a 10-hour OSHA Certification.

2016

Project IOWA and State Public Policy Group (SPPG) began an environment scan to further assist Project IOWA in achieving its mission: to increase access to 21st Century, career-track, living wage jobs for chronically under-employed and unemployed Central Iowans through an intensive public-private skills training and economic development program. Paul Turner, an organizer with AMOS, laid the groundwork for this scan.

2017

Project IOWA relocated to 1420 Mulberry in the back of Central Iowa Shelter and Services (CISS).

2018

New logo designed emphasizing the work that the organization has been doing and will continue to do – Purpose, Career, and Stability. It symbolizes what we do, how we do it, and the power of our results. Purpose, Career, and Stability are the core competencies that drive the work we do.

2021

YouthWorks, a high school course, a paid internship, and pathway to professional success as established at East High School, in Des Moines, Iowa. YouthWorks is the only year-long high school internship program in Central Iowa. This program provides students with hands-on experience, mentorship, and career training that equips them for life beyond high school graduation.

2022

Project IOWA relocates to Franklin Junior High, 4801 Franklin Avenue, Room 106 in Des Moines, IA

2023

Project IOWA starts offering the Missouri CANN Poverty Simulations to the community as an educational opportunity to learn more about what it is like to live in poverty.

2024

The Rooted Model was launched to bring career support directly into community spaces where people naturally gather, such as food pantries. This innovative service delivery model places a Career Coach within these settings to build trusting relationships, provide immediate employment assistance, connect individuals to essential resources, and offer moral support as they work toward stability. By deeply listening to community members, we gain valuable insights into their specific needs, allowing us to tailor our support effectively. Unlike our traditional cohort-based programs, the Rooted Model focuses on long-term, one-on-one interventions. This initiative began in partnership with the Urbandale Food Pantry and DMARC Food Pantry.