Approximately 90 Prairie High School students from Future Now and iJAG programs attended the second annual Mayor’s Youth Conference, “Grow Here,” at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. Cedar Rapids City Mayor Tiffany O’Donnell hosted over 200 students for the all day event.

Designed for Cedar Rapids-area high schoolers, the conference offered a free day to explore local educational and career opportunities. Students had the chance to network with young professionals and envision their future in the community.

Keynote speakers and panelists included Prairie alumni Malia Gudenkauf and Christian Francois, as well as Zeinab Osman from the College Community School District. Malia, founder and CEO of Little Miss Finance, and Christian, Housing and Group Services Manager for Cedar Rapids Tourism, shared their experiences and insights with the students.

Future Now is a program fostering cultural diversity and providing students with opportunities to envision their future. iJAG (Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates) helps students identify their talents, develop skills, and prepare for post-secondary transitions.