Celebrating 11 Years of Innovation & Opportunity in the Cedar Valley – It’s Time for a SHIPHT!

For over a decade, we have proudly cultivated emerging talent and innovation in the Cedar Valley, designing education, access, and career readiness programming that empowers the next generation.

We started with the STEM in the Arts Urban Outreach Initiative, a groundbreaking collaboration with The Textile and Apparel Program at the University of Northern Iowa, Leader Valley, Infiniti Enterprises, and KBOL. This initiative introduced 6th to 8th-grade girls to career pathways in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). Last year, we partnered with the University of Northern Iowa Center for Urban Education, Institute for Youth Leadership, and other youth-centered organizations to host a Youth Café focused on breaking barriers, overcoming stereotypes, and redefining leadership and success.

This year, it’s time for an even greater impact—a SHIPHT!

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The SHIPHT Mission: Empowering Future Leaders & Expanding Opportunities

SHIPHT is dedicated to activating an entrepreneurial mindset and transforming career trajectories for a new and existing generation of diverse leaders. Our focus is on expanding talent pipelines in business, technology, public service, and entrepreneurship while creating pathways for underrepresented communities to access high-demand careers.

Additionally, SHIPHT aligns with Governor Reynolds’ signature workforce policy initiative, the Future Ready Iowa Act, which aims to increase access to career opportunities and high-demand jobs for high school graduates. Through H.F. 758, H.F. 546, and S.F. 608, this law seeks to bridge opportunity gaps and ensure that all students, regardless of background, have access to sustainable careers.

 

Why SHIPHT Matters: Addressing Economic Disparities in Black Hawk County

 

We cannot thrive as a community when talent remains on the sidelines.​

​According to the United Way ALICE Report for Black Hawk County, 43% of households struggle to afford basic needs, including housing, childcare, transportation, and healthcare. Low-income families, especially communities of color, individuals with disabilities, and first-generation college students, face limited access to career pathways that offer economic mobility. Without targeted interventions, these disparities will continue to restrict workforce participation and economic growth. SHIPHT is committed to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of income, have access to quality career education and workforce opportunities.

Join Us in Making the SHIPHT!

Through strategic partnerships, hands-on experiences, and bold innovation, SHIPHT is shaping the future of workforce leadership. Together, we can create an ecosystem where education, opportunity, and success are accessible to all.

Are you ready to be part of the movement? Let’s make the SHIPHT happen—together! 🚀

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SHIPHT has joined the ONE Cedar Valley family.