Mission
At Career EdVantage, our mission is to connect education and business by providing committed students with educational and training opportunities. Through meaningful relationships, individualized coaching, and supportive guidance, we prepare young people for high-demand careers and empower them to succeed in both life and work.
Values
Lead with Love – integrity, respect, service, and compassion all in one guiding principle.
Inspire Growth – inspiration, hope, and belief in the future.
Pursue Excellence – excellence in work and service.
History
Career EdVantage was established in 2019 by the Charles E. Lakin Foundation with a clear mission: to walk alongside students as they explore careers, gain training, and launch into meaningful work. Created for Southwest Iowa, Career EdVantage quickly became a trusted partner for schools, students and families, and businesses across the region.
In 2022, we changed the name to reflect the partnership with Avenue Scholars and adopted the name Avenues Scholars Southwest Iowa, which brought attention to the strong outcomes Career EdVantage was already achieving. While we aligned with the model and shared best practices, our approach quickly stood out. The results spoke for themselves, but so did our need for flexibility, autonomy, and a voice that reflects the communities we serve.
In 2025, we made a strategic decision to return to the Career EdVantage name, ensuring long-term sustainability and fiscal responsibility while continuing to deliver strong outcomes backed by data. With a clear vision and a proven model, we’re ready to steward future investments and deepen our impact across Southwest Iowa.
Returning to our original name, Career EdVantage, to continue leading with local insight, trusted relationships, and a proven model that works for students right here in Southwest Iowa.
This transition allows us to continue doing the work we do. Our career coaches are embedded in schools across Southwest Iowa, forming deep relationships with students and staff. Each coach is part of the fabric of their district, helping students explore careers, access training, and stay connected all the way through postsecondary education and into the workforce.
Purpose
At Career EdVantage, we are dedicated to preparing students for successful careers. We provide high school students with the guidance and resources they need to explore, develop, and launch into their chosen fields. Our support extends beyond high school, as we coach students through their postsecondary education and help them secure full-time employment.
We are committed to changing lives and strengthening the Southwest Iowa workforce. Our dedicated team of career coaches guides students through every step of their journey. We expose students to a variety of in-demand fields, including healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, manufacturing, and business.
With a focus on professional development and real-world experience, Career EdVantage helps students gain a clear understanding of the work world and develop the essential skills to succeed in it. Our comprehensive, collaborative approach ensures that students have the support and opportunities necessary to secure rewarding careers and help fill crucial employment needs across our region.
What We Do
Students in the Career EdVantage program will collaborate with our dedicated coaches and mentors throughout their entire journey—from high school, through their postsecondary education or training, and into their full-time careers.
Career EdVantage, in partnership with our supporters, also offers a scholarship to help students continue their education or training after they successfully complete their high school program. This commitment ensures students have the financial support they need to secure a rewarding career.
