La’James students get financial coaching through Dupaco visits

JOHNSTON, Iowa—At La’James International College, students learn the skills to launch careers in beauty and wellness. Through a unique partnership, Dupaco helps them gain the financial knowledge they need to turn those skills into successful futures.

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This collaboration brings a custom 20‑week curriculum to all five La’James campuses in Iowa. Every four weeks, students dive into one of five essential topics:

• Fraud Awareness
• Positive Money Habits
• Small Business 101
• Debt Repayment Strategies
• Credit Building

"Everything with a small business starts with your personal savings and spending habits,” said Dupaco Senior Community Outreach & Education (COE) Consultant Michelle Gonnering, who leads the program. “We want students to graduate not only with career skills but also with the financial confidence to run a business.”

The impact is clear.

Students often line up after sessions for one‑on‑one coaching. Many open accounts, establish credit and set financial goals. 

Cheyenne, a La’James student, dreams of opening an all inclusive salon. With Dupaco’s help, she’s building credit and saving for her future.

“Michelle explained how savings and credit affect everything—from buying a car to opening a business,” Cheyenne said. “Now I feel prepared to make my dream a reality.”

This partnership has become a model for deeper community engagement. While Michelle services 177 active groups in Des Moines and western Iowa, the La’James partnership is a standout example of how education and financial empowerment go hand in hand.

“When students graduate with both career skills and financial confidence, that’s success," Gonnering said.