Education

The Greater Des Moines Partnership believes in strong education in the metro. The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) and Connect2Business are two ways the Partnership is helping students, employers, and job seekers be successful.

 

Connect2Business

This online network allows Partnership members to create a profile of information that is available to job seekers and to post jobs and other temporary work opportunities. Employers may use this network to access adults seeking employment and to students who are interested in exploring future careers through job shadowing, internships, and apprenticeships. This system will allow businesses to find the most suitable employees and tailor its next generation workforce by connecting with middle school and high school students who are interested in a specific business or industry.

Students, young adults and parents may follow the 'Forays of Fritz' as he prepares for his future, takes the SAT's and begins his adventure in finding his next path in the working world. Coming soon, Fritz takes on the world of social media & blogging!

For more information about Connect 2 Business Greater Des Moines, please download a fact sheet or visit Connect 2 Business. For questions email mbontrager@desmoinesmetro.com.

---

Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI)

The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) will introduce, develop, and nurture leadership skills among youth in Greater Des Moines by providing experiential mentoring and leadership experiences that enhance self-esteem and encourage involvement in all levels of community life.

YLI is a program of the Greater Des Moines Partnership in collaboration with Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and with the support from United Way of Central Iowa.

YLI started as a project of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute. Since its inception approximately two hundred and eighty students have successfully graduated from this program.

Beginning on the fall of 2011 YLI became a program of the Greater Des Moines Partnership under its Regional Workforce and Education pillar of work.Click here for the YLI fact sheet.

Goals
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 the Greater Des Moines area

More Information
2011-2012 Class List
Class schedule and topics

Applications
Candidates for the program should:
1. Be entering their sophomore or junior years of high school.
2. Have an interest in developing their leadership skills.
3. Desire to learn more about the Greater Des Moines community.
Student Application
Student Reference Form

Class location
Class members will normally meet at the United Way building located at 1111 9th St. There will be some exceptions to this meeting location. For questions contact Mary Bontrager at (515) 286-4957 or email mbontrager@desmoinesmetro.com.

Class Survey
September 17, 2011 - Community Engagement
October 14, 2011 - Leadership Topics
November 18, 2011 - Government (How Do I Become President and How Does A Caucus Work Anyway?)
December 9, 2011 - Law and Order
January 16, 2012 - Diversity and Education

Social Media
Visit YLI on Facebook
Visit Fritz Speaks blog

Volunteers
If you are interested in volunteering, please review detailed information. You will also need to complete a criminal background history. Click here to access the form.