What is YLI?
The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) releases untapped potential in the next generation of community leaders. This untapped potential is released as students learn skills that propel them into their next steps of life and as they embrace their roles as shapers of a community where their dreams can be realized.
High school students get out of the classroom and into real-life learning experiences throughout Greater Des Moines. Their teachers are local business and community experts. Their subjects are opportunities and challenges in our region. Their lessons teach self, group, professional, and community leadership skills to prepare for their futures. Their program graduation showcases students who are ready to shape a community and take action.
Who should apply?
Students with plenty of room to grow! Participants who gain the most from YLI are:
- Ready to learn about their community and how they can shape its future.
- Enthusiastic about building professional skills and gaining exposure to possible career paths.
- Open to exploring their leadership potential, perhaps having had few previous opportunities.
- Sincere about forming connections with fellow students and mentors from across Greater Des Moines.
- Eager to gain confidence, step outside their comfort zones, and learn about themselves.
Application Process
- YLI Class of 2026 applications are now closed.
- For more information including tips for applying, check out our Application Aid.
- Notification of students selected for the next YLI cohort will be completed before the end of the current school year.
- Contact us with questions about the program.
Program Details
- Each YLI cohort is comprised of approximately 40 high school students from both public and private schools across the Greater Des Moines area.
- Eligible students will be in 10th-12th grade going into the next academic year.
- Sessions take place during the school day one Friday per month and occasional Monday evenings from October through May.
- The program is tuition-free, thanks to generous support from people and organizations who believe in the leadership potential of youth.
- Students can earn up to 4 DMACC college credits through completion of all YLI program requirements.
Zara Ahmed, Waukee High SchoolÂ
Faith Asiedu Fianko, Ankeny High SchoolÂ
Allison Blum, Adel DeSoto Minburn High SchoolÂ
Davis Carroll, Waukee High SchoolÂ
Leslie Cisneros, North High SchoolÂ
Claire Coffey, Carlisle High SchoolÂ
Logan Corwin, Roosevelt High SchoolÂ
Jackson Crabb, Southeast Polk High SchoolÂ
Nolan Craig, Waukee Northwest High SchoolÂ
Isabella Crouch, Dowling Catholic High SchoolÂ
Angelina Dang, Roosevelt High SchoolÂ
Kyra Davis, Virtual CampusÂ
Grace DeCastro, North High SchoolÂ
Sahasra Dendi, Johnston High SchoolÂ
Sritha Devarapu, Waukee High SchoolÂ
Lillian Frideres, Nevada High SchoolÂ
Ava Garvey, Norwalk High SchoolÂ
Lilly Garvey, Norwalk High SchoolÂ
Dornubari Godpower, North High SchoolÂ
Kelsey Greenslade, Adel DeSoto Minburn High SchoolÂ
Dalal Hasaballa, North High SchoolÂ
Cindy He, Lincoln High SchoolÂ
Ansira Irakoze, East High SchoolÂ
Elizabeth Iverson, Norwalk High SchoolÂ
Kalya Kothavale, Waukee Northwest High SchoolÂ
Michelle McConkey, Waukee High SchoolÂ
Elizabeth Melcher, Dowling Catholic High SchoolÂ
Deziyre Miller, Roosevelt High SchoolÂ
Arjun Mittra, Roosevelt High SchoolÂ
Frise Mukina, North High SchoolÂ
Navid Nasseh, Valley High SchoolÂ
Omid Nasseh, Valley High SchoolÂ
Jonah O’Neal, North High SchoolÂ
Corbin Oswald, Norwalk High SchoolÂ
Sierra Pradhan, Waukee Northwest High SchoolÂ
Lakshmi Kausalya Reddy, Ankeny High SchoolÂ
Mason Royal, Dowling Catholic High SchoolÂ
Nardeen Sabri, Valley High SchoolÂ
Annabelle Schwartz, Urbandale High SchoolÂ
Mehar Sidhu, Waukee Northwest High SchoolÂ
Braden Steenhard, Waukee Northwest High SchoolÂ
Tyler Stiegelmeier, Norwalk High SchoolÂ
Carrington Williams-Thomas, Waukee High SchoolÂ
Graham Wise, Roosevelt High SchoolÂ
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Thank you to the sponsors of the Youth Leadership Initiative!
