WATERLOO, AI – (SEPTEMBER 2026) – On September 15th, the ISU Extension and Outreach for Black Hawk County helped host the first Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Connect (ISU CALS Connect) event at the Waterloo Career Center. The event connected high school students with exciting opportunities in agriculture and life sciences. This inaugural CALS Connect event, sponsored by BankIowa, successfully piloted a new model for student recruitment and career exploration and demonstrated the power of collaboration among university and community partners.

65 students attended the event and had the opportunity to learn about 20+ majors within Iowa State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences while connecting with alumni and industry professionals to learn about potential college and career paths.

Chuck Paulsen, BankIowa VP of Business & Ag Banking, spoke to students as part of a panel of industry professionals. BankIowa had an information booth at the event where BankIowa employees introduced students to internship opportunities with the bank.

“From my perspective, the CALS Connect event was a success,” said Chuck Paulsen. “It was a great opportunity to get in front of high school student interested in agriculture and life sciences. BankIowa is recruiting interns for several banking positions. We’re looking for young people who are passionate about ag and we’d like to introduce them to a career in ag lending and farm financial management. I look forward to the next CALS Connect event.”

About BankIowa
Founded in 1921, BankIowa is a leading independent and locally owned community bank serving Eastern Iowa with 14 locations. With a focus on local decision-making and personalized financial solutions, BankIowa provides a full suite of consumer, commercial, retail, and investment services. For more information, visit www.bankiowa.com