Building healthier communities by increasing high school graduation rate

At Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, our mission is to make health care better for all Iowans and South Dakotans, not just our members. With a division focused on addressing factors that prevent people from living a long, healthy life, Wellmark is dedicated to working upstream to make positive changes in the places where people live, learn, work and play.

Did you know that educational achievement positively impacts your lifespan, and your income significantly impacts your health span? This is why one area of our focus is youth:

• High School Graduation - Iowa’s high school graduation rate fell below 90 percent again in 2023.
• Mental Health - Suicide is a leading cause of teenage death in Iowa and increased from 2022 to 2023.
• Workforce Shortage - Iowa is facing a critical workforce shortage with two available workers for every three open jobs

In an effort to work upstream, Wellmark, through The Wellmark Foundation, has long supported Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) in Iowa. JAG has more than four decades of experience helping at-risk students overcome barriers, graduate high school and get ready for meaningful employment or further education. The Wellmark Foundation’s support has helped to promote career development, especially in health care, and expanded programming in communities with lower graduation rates and higher absenteeism. By funding program expansions, Wellmark aims to address health disparities and foster a healthier, more educated workforce. However, real change requires all of us—businesses, non-profits, government agencies, communities and individuals. Let’s work together to understand the challenges, find solutions and invest where it is most needed. We invite you to join us on this mission. Let's create a healthier, stronger Iowa together, starting with our kids.