Let's give a warm Jewels Academy welcome to Stephanie Smith, our summer peer mentor! We are excited to have her join our team this summer.

Stephanie is a motivated leader, peer mentor, and active volunteer who is passionate about helping others. Throughout high school, she demonstrated strong leadership by mentoring her peers, serving her community, and supporting programs that help teens prepare for college, explore career pathways, and access employment opportunities.

Her leadership is rooted in service, encouragement, and a desire to help others succeed. Stephanie believes in leading by example and empowering those around her to reach their full potential.

This fall, Stephanie plans to attend Grand View University to study Information Technology and pursue a career in the tech industry. She hopes to combine her leadership skills, mentoring experience, community involvement, and passion for technology to create opportunities and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

We are proud to have Stephanie as part of the Jewels Academy team and look forward to seeing the difference she will make this summer and beyond. Welcome, Stephanie!

We are excited to welcome Faith Rankins from Waukee High School to the Jewels Academy Peer Mentor Program!

Faith will be a sophomore next year and is a member of the Waukee High School varsity track team. She has a strong interest in criminal justice and hopes to become a detective in the future.

Faith is also a Jewels Academy alumni (former student) and has been involved with Jewels Academy for more than four years. Her dedication, leadership, and commitment to growth make her a wonderful addition to our Peer Mentor Program.

Faith shared, "I am very excited that I am able to be a part of such a wonderful program!"

Please join us in congratulating and welcoming Faith as she begins this new leadership journey!

Please join us in welcoming Rachel Sangster as a Jewels Academy Peer Mentor! Rachel is a dedicated high school junior at Roosevelt High School who brings a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a passion for helping others.

Rachel is an emerging leader who enjoys supporting and encouraging her peers as they work toward their personal, academic, and career goals. Through her role as a Peer Mentor, she hopes to inspire others to stay focused, build confidence, and pursue opportunities that will help them succeed.

Rachel plans to pursue a degree in Nursing and is currently working toward earning her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification through Central Campus. Her commitment to serving others and interest in healthcare reflect her compassionate nature and desire to make a meaningful impact in her community.

Outside of academics, Rachel is passionate about volleyball and plans to continue playing throughout high school and potentially during her college career. The teamwork, discipline, and leadership skills she has developed through athletics contribute to her success both on and off the court.

We are excited to have Rachel join the Jewels Academy team and look forward to seeing the positive influence she will have as a Peer Mentor. Welcome, Rachel!

Please join us in welcoming Chris Johannsen to Jewels Academy as our College Summer Intern!

Chris is a Ph.D. student in Computer Science at Iowa State University, where he studies under Dr. Kristin Yvonne Rozier. His research focuses on applying mathematics and logic to verify that complex systems—such as airplanes, drones, and other autonomous technologies—operate safely and correctly.

In addition to his research, Chris has a strong passion for education and mentorship. He has served as a lecturer, grader, and student mentor in several of Dr. Rozier’s Aerospace Engineering courses, helping students develop their understanding of challenging technical concepts while fostering a supportive learning environment.

Chris's dedication to both innovation and teaching reflect his commitment to advancing technology while empowering the next generation of learners. His expertise, curiosity, and enthusiasm for sharing knowledge make him a valuable addition to the Jewels Academy team.

We are excited to have Chris join us this summer and look forward to the impact he will make through his work with our students and programs. Welcome to Jewels Academy, Chris!

Help us give a warm welcome to Gustavo Luzzi, our newest Jewels Academy College Summer Intern!

Gustavo is a senior in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University and is originally from Brazil. He has a strong passion for innovation and technology, with experience in robotics and the design of small unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Following graduation, Gustavo plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University, where his research will focus on Formal Methods and advancing the safety and reliability of aerospace systems. His work aims to develop innovative approaches that help ensure complex aerospace technologies operate safely and effectively.

Gustavo’s dedication to engineering, research, and problem-solving reflects his commitment to creating technologies that make a meaningful impact. We are excited to have him share his knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm with our students and programs this summer.

Please join us in welcoming Gustavo to the Jewels Academy team! We look forward to all he will accomplish.

Waukee Astro Lab: Space Mission

Students can enroll entering K-3rd grades

Monday-Wednesday

8:30am-11:30am

June 8th-10th

Snacks Included

Located at North Middle School, Auxiliary Gym, Waukee

To sign up, follow this link: 

Waukee CSD

If Questions, please email our staff at info@jewelsacademy.org

 YES Summer Kitchen Chemistry Camp!

Science You Can Eat! Join us this July for three action-packed Saturdays in Des Moines. From messy experiments to a food science field trip, we’re turning the city into a giant laboratory!

K-8th grade

July 11th, 18th, 25th 9 am-12 pm

Located at Jewels Academy, 1620 Pleasant Street, Des Moines, IA 50314, Conference Room 1

To sign up, follow this link: https://ja2005.app.neoncrm.com/event.jsp?event=2242& 

Scholarship available, apply here: https://jewelsacademy.org/scholarships/
If Questions, please email our staff at info@jewelsacademy.org here

Create your own drone!

Ever wondered how drones are built? Now’s your chance to find out! 

July 21st from 8:30am-11:30am CST.

Located at Jewels Academy 1620 Pleasant Street Des Moines, IA 50314

4th-8th grade students 

Limited spots: register here:

Jewels Academy

Scholarship available, apply here: https://jewelsacademy.org/scholarships/
If Questions, please email our staff at If Questions, please email our staff at info@jewelsacademy.org