Applications Open for Youth Leadership Initiative
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (Feb. 22, 2018) – Soon-to-be high school sophomores and juniors are invited to apply to be part of the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI). Applications are open for the Class of 2018-2019. YLI provides students from both public and private high schools across Greater Des Moines (DSM) with experiential mentoring and leadership opportunities that enhance self-esteem and encourage involvement in all levels of community life. Participation in the YLI program is tuition-free. Students meet twice monthly between August and May to explore topics on leadership while learning about the region.
YLI classes take place once per month during the school day and once in the evening. The Partnership’s team and YLI volunteers work with each student’s school to ensure missed class days are excused absences.
Applications will be accepted until Noon on April 8, 2018. Students who will be sophomores or juniors during the 2018-2019 school year are eligible for the program. Students interested in applying should review the YLI Fact Sheet prior to completing the application. The Fact Sheet and application can be found online at the YLI information page.
The goals of the YLI program are:
- Empowering youth to connect, participate in change and create their ideal community.
- Encouraging youth to become active participants in their community.
- Engaging youth in opportunities to invest their futures in DSM.
About the Youth Leadership Initiative
YLI began as a project of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute's Community Leadership class of 2001 – 2002. It was an initiative of The Partnership’s Talent Development work. Now in its 16th year, YLI’s mission is to help local youth see a community that is welcoming, nurturing and vital which provides ample opportunity for participation in meaningful community change, networking and individual growth. Since its inception, 464 students have successfully graduated from the program.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future.