JAG is a premier non profit organization that partners with schools to create a bridge between public education and the workforce. iJAG supports student academic success and workforce skill building while helping employers develop the work-based learning experiences that propel students toward living-wage jobs.
iJAG Specialists work intensely with our students to guarantee graduation and improve the rate of success in achieving education and career goals. This program focuses on six core skill sets:
Students in the iJAG program at IGNITE will be able to earn industy certifications along with core credits in a variety of different ways. iJAG students partner with local business and community leaders to experience and gain firsthand knowledge of Iowa’s leading industries. Students in iJAG can be advised and supported through mutiple industry classes the Specialist are teaching.
iJAG participants learn about workplace culture and expectations through opportunities including mentoring, company tours, job shadows, internships, Registered Apprenticeships and paid work experiences. The young people in iJAG will be the diverse workforce pipeline that all employers need today and tomorrow!
Classroom and Worksite Engagements
Iowa Partcipants
Full Time Employement
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iJAG Specialist
Email: brandi.eckles@ijag.org
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iJAG Education Specialist
Email: justin.esser@ijag.org
Justin is currently serving as an iJAG Specialist partnered with IGNITE Pathways in Woodbine. In this role, he is supporting students with academic success and employer engagement. He will be helping students reach their goals and highest potential. Justin grew up in Harlan, Iowa, and currently resides in the WONDERFUL town of Woodbine, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State with his Bachelor's Degree in Child, Adult, and Family Services.
In college, he worked for a youth home, helping youth overcome their struggles and inspiring them to reach their future goals. Justin is also an ESports coach and a STEM teacher for IGNITE Pathways. Justin loves playing video games, being with his friends, and spending quality time with his family. Justin has been serving youth in Woodbine for the past year. Justin is very excited to have the chance to provide students with a start in a successful career path.
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iJAG Area Director
Email: marcus.lunning@ijag.org
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iJAG Education Specialist
Email: danielle.mcmahon@ijag.org
Danielle McMahon is one of the iJAG Education Specialist, partnered with IGNITE Pathways Career and Technical Education Center in Woodbine.
Dani grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and currently reside in the REFRESHING town of Manning, Iowa. She graduated from Iowa State University in 2018 with a Bachelor's Degree in Communications and a minor in Public Relations.
In college, Dani served as a leader for the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success, studied abroad, held a marketing internship at a non-profit, and recruited for Cobblestone Inn & Suites. In adjacent to those roles, she worked as a Teacher for a child care center to serve children and families of Carroll County. In 2018, Dani was recruited in a career to hold the role of a Business Development Specialist/Communications Specialist to help empower families and individuals to thrive in life and offer resources to get them there! She later opened up Marketing By Dani, a marketing consulting firm, and started working for Woodbine!
"iJAG is a one of a kind program and I look forward to working with the students one on one to help accomplish their goals!"View Bio
iJAG Specialist
Email: eric.moores@ijag.org
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iJAG Education Specialist
Email: brian.sauter@ijag.org
Brian Sauter is one of three iJAG Education Specialist, partnered with IGNITE Pathways Career and Technical Education Center in Woodbine.
Brian was born and raised in the Midwest, originally from Alta IA. Since 2005 he has been a youth pastor and real estate investor specializing in house flipping and rentals.
As the iJAG Education Specialist, Brian helps facilitate more communication with the students, parents and navigators to ensure an environment that is a place where all can thrive.
Many of his years as a youth pastor included working with youth, and although he decided to move away from full-time ministry, Brian retained the passion for helping high school students.
“IGNITE Pathways allows me to fulfill the purpose and passion by helping teens see a different direction while shaping how we educate for tomorrow.”
