Mission

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.

Focus

YLI’s focus is on untapped potential. YLI seeks students who have not had the opportunity to demonstrate their full leadership potential. 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.

Vision

YLI believes local youth must see a community that is welcoming, nurturing, and vital and that provides ample opportunity for youth to participate in meaningful community change, to network, and to grow as individuals. The YLI leadership development program is aimed at:

1. Helping youth learn the skills necessary to help create a Greater Des Moines community where they want to invest their futures.
2. Developing committed leaders by encouraging active community participation.

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

2009-2010 YLI Program Schedule
 

August

21-22

Fri-Sat

4:30 PM Fri

YLI Opening Retreat

6:30 PM Sat

September

18

Fri

7:30 AM-2:30 PM

Community Engagement

21

Mon

5:30-7:45 PM

PROCESSING session

October

16

Fri

7:30 AM-2:30 PM

Leadership Passions & Vision

 

19

Mon

5:30-7:45 PM

PROCESSING session

November

13

Fri

7:30 AM-2:30 PM

Art and Communication

 

16

Mon

5:30-7:45 PM

PROCESSING session

December

11

Fri

7:30 AM-2:30 PM

Law & Order

 

 

 

 

No Processing session

January

18

Mon

7:30 AM-2:30 PM

Diversity

 

25

Mon

5:30-7:45 PM

PROCESSING session

February

19

Fri

7:30 AM-2:30 PM

Greater Des Moines Leadership

 

22

Mon

5:30-7:45 PM

PROCESSING session

March

5

Fri

7:30 AM-2:30 PM

Entrepreneurship

 

8

Mon

5:30-7:45 PM

PROCESSING session

April

23

Fri

7:30 AM-2:30 PM

Style & Class

26

Mon

5:30-7:45 PM

PROCESSING session

May

14

Fri

7:30 AM-2:30 PM

Creative Problem Solving

 

17

Mon

5:30-7:45 PM

PROCESSING session

June

TBD

 

TBD

YLI Student-Planned Graduation

 

 

 

No Processing session

All sessions begin and conclude at the United Way Campus at 1111 Ninth Street in Des Moines. Class sessions will include experiential and interactive learning, community and diversity issues, communication and leadership skills, and volunteer service and community engagement.

The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) began as a project of members of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute's Community Leadership class of 2001-02. They engaged in researching, developing and planning the program and curriculum over the course of two years.

The program focuses on those students who have leadership potential, but have not yet had the chance to demonstrate leadership in action. Sessions will focus on experiential and interactive learning, community issues, diversity, communication and leadership skills, volunteer service and community engagement. The program meets periodically from August through June, culminating in a student planned graduation ceremony.

Selection of Participants

If interested, current high school freshmen and sophomores should apply prior to their respective sophomore and junior years. Applications are available on-line at the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute’s website, at the United Way of Central Iowa, or through area high schools and youth organizations.

Class Selection will be completed and announced by June 1. Classes will consist of 35 students from Des Moines Metro Area public and private high schools. Please note that participation in the YLI Program is TUITION FREE.

Program Sponsors

The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute partners with United Way of Central Iowa and the Boys and Girls Club of Central Iowa as the primary program sponsors.

Additional Information

For further information contact one of the following:

 

 

Apply now to be a part of YLI!

We are currently accepting applications for the YLI Class of 2010-2011. All high school freshmen and sophomores in the Des Moines Metro Area are encouraged to apply.

 
 
~ Program Director Tim Rittgers
 


Rick and Courtney survey
the high ropes course
1350 E Washington Ave   •     Des Moines, IA 50316-2449   •     515-262-5695   •     www.youthleadershipdm.org