Announcing... the YLI Class of 2010-2011!

The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute (GDMLI) and the Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) are pleased to announce the YLI class of 2010-2011. Selected from a field of extremely qualified candidates, the forty-seven individuals chosen for next year’s class represent a cross section of eleven area high schools. These students will begin their YLI journey next August at the Opening Retreat and complete a full year of leadership training.


courage - initiative - servanthood - positive attitude - vision - passion - communication - competence - generosity - character - listening - relationship building - discernment - self-security - commitment - self-discipline - responsibility - charisma - problem solving - focus - teachability


YLI is a program of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute and is sponsored by the United Way of Central Iowa, with support from the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa and from private donors. There is no direct cost for students to participate in the YLI program.

YLI is a Community Betterment Grant recipient from Prairie Meadows Racetrack and Casino through its 2009 Community Betterment Grant Program. Grant applications are rated on demonstration of need, leverage of other funds secured and applied for, community support, community impact, population served, proposed evaluation of results, and strength of the organization.