Application: YLI Class of 2026

About the Program:

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 in 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 graduation showcases students who are ready to confidently lead in their personal lives, schools, workplaces, and community.

YLI experience days will take place during the school day one Friday each month. Once selected, we will work with your school to ensure the absence is excused. The student will need to make up classroom assignments.

There is a $40 acceptance fee due at orientation if selected to the program, with no other costs or tuition for the year. You will have the option to request a scholarship when you accept your spot, no further questions asked. This fee should NOT prohibit any applicants from applying or accepting.

About the Application Process:

The application period is open February 7 through April 14, 2025. 

This application includes 4 steps:

1) Applicant Contact Information and Optional Personal Information

2) Written Application Essay Questions (300-600 words each)

- Think of someone in your life currently, who you consider a great leader. Who is it? What qualities do you appreciate about that person? How has this person inspired you?

- Describe an issue you see in the community or at your school that you would like to see changed.

3) Understanding the Commitment

Note: Any written application found to be using AI to produce answer content will be disqualified. An interview may be conducted in lieu of a written application as needed. To request an interview, please email Mallory Riesberg at mallory@leaddsm.org with the subject line "YLI Application Accommodation Request."

Fields marked with an * are required.

Please verify that you have checked the “I'm not a robot” checkbox.

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Applicant Information

Home address

He/Him/His
She/Her/Hers
They/Them/Theirs
Not listed above
Prefer Not to Identify/Answer

Your cell phone #

School Email address

Non-school email address

Make sure this is an email address you check regularly.

Name of High School you attend (if you attend Central Academy, please only list home high school)

Sophomore
Junior
Senior

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Optional Personal Information
We strive to foster an inclusive learning environment with diverse perspectives that embody the Greater Des Moines community. To do so, we want to honor everyone's identity. Please feel free to share the parts of your identity(its) you would like us to know. Lead DSM does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

American Indian or Alaska Native
Asian
Black or African American
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish Origin
Indian
Middle Eastern or North African
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
White or European
Multiracial
Not listed above
Prefer Not to Identify/Answer

With which of these do you most identify?

Are you a person living with a disability?

With which of these do you most identify (mark all that apply)?

Agnostic
Atheist
Buddhism
Catholicism
Christianity
Hinduism
Inter/Non-denominational
Judaism
Muslim
Native American
Protestantism
Spiritual
No religion
Not listed above
Prefer Not to Identify/Answer

Do you usually think of yourself as

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Essay Questions
Helpful tips when completing your application: - Written answers must be 300-600 words in length. - Be thorough and thoughtful in your responses. Help the reviewers get to know you. - Save your information in Word, just in case you experience technical issues and lose your data. - Ask someone to read your essay questions before submitting. - Do not assume the reviewer is reading or listening to your answers consecutively. Answer each question with its own, stand-alone answer.

Think of someone in your life currently, who you consider a great leader. Who is it? What qualities do you appreciate about that person? How has this person inspired you? (300-600 words) 

Describe an issue you see in the community or at your school that you would like to see changed. (300-600 words)

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Understanding the Commitment

If you are currently employed or involved in other activities, do you anticipate conflicts with YLI dates, and if so, how will you balance these responsibilities (YLI is a commitment just like school and work)?

Certificate Program
Apprenticeship
2-year college/university
4-year college/university
Directly to work
Military
Undecided

If applicable, please share the name of the individual.

Parent/Guardian/Relative
Teacher/Counselor/Other School Employee
Mentor/Coach
Print/Email/Internet Advertisement
Past YLI Participant
Other

I understand that YLI is monthly time commitment and has a strict attendance policy. By signing my name below with this application, I acknowledge that I am willing to put in the time and effort needed to be an active, engaged participant in the YLI Class of 2025.

Yes
No
I need more information.