ACA’s Joey Haley participates in Ankeny’s Orbis program

October 31, 2025

Ankeny Christian Academy junior Joey Haley has made school history as the first ACA student to participate in the Ankeny Community School District (ACSD)’s Orbis program. 

Orbis is a unique educational experience that bridges classroom learning with the community and workforce. Through its Career Exploration & Development (CED) and Project-Based Experience (PBE) classes, students gain real-world exposure to career paths while developing valuable skills in leadership, communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and time management. 'Orbis' is the Latin term for compass. When Orbis was founded in 2017, ACSD students named the program as such because each student, as he/she goes through elementary, middle, and high school, follows his/her own compass in navigating their lifetime of personal success.

Joey’s CED class has helped him better understand his personal strengths, preferred work environments, and possible career directions. Using a design thinking approach, Orbis encourages students to stay curious, try new things, and learn by doing - something Joey has really enjoyed. Joey selected three “odysseys” to explore: supply chain management, welding, and general business. He has set up face-to-face meetings with professionals working in these fields, an experience that’s pushed him outside his comfort zone and given him the confidence to meet and learn from adults he doesn’t know.

As part of Joey's CED class, he participated in DMACC’s Professional Skills Day, where he took part in mock interviews with community leaders and learned valuable lessons about resume development and professional presentation. In addition, Joey was invited to attend Salute to Industry, an event hosted by the Ankeny Chamber of Commerce that recognizes local businesses making a positive impact in the community. The event offered an exciting opportunity for Joey to represent his class, connect with professionals, and see firsthand how innovation and service shape the world beyond the classroom - while also representing Ankeny Christian Academy!

Through Orbis, Joey is gaining experiences that build confidence and prepare him for life beyond high school, skills that will serve him well no matter what career path he chooses. He plans to take Orbis' PBE class during the spring semester.