Application: Community Connect Class of 2026

Greater Des Moines thrives when purpose meets service. Community Connect inspires participants to discover their values, align with their purpose, and strengthen both their own lives and the community.

Over the course of this nine-week program, participants will:

  • Engage in dynamic, interactive sessions facilitated by Dr. Christi Hegstad and program alumni.
  • Learn directly from experienced community leaders, gaining insights, networks, and mentorship.
  • Build meaningful relationships through small group connections that support accountability and momentum.

Application Tips

To put your best foot forward, keep these tips in mind:

  • Be thoughtful and thorough. Share more than just facts—help reviewers get to know you.
  • Use your authentic voice. AI tools can help spark ideas, but your answers should reflect your own voice.
  • Save your work. Draft responses in another document to prevent losing progress.
  • Ask for feedback. Consider having someone proofread before you submit.
  • Plan ahead. Submit well before the deadline.
  • Application pages: Page 1 collects your contact information and written responses; Page 2 includes optional demographic questions.
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

Cell phone

Home address

Home City

Home State

Home Zip Code

Work Information

Application Questions
Save your responses in another document to prevent data loss. Be thorough and thoughtful, and don’t assume reviewers read answers in sequence—help them get to know you clearly. Consider asking someone to proofread your responses before submitting. While AI may be used for brainstorming, we only accept authentic, applicant-written responses.

Describe your idea of strong community engagement. (300-500 words)

How will understanding your purpose, values, and passions help you engage in the community? (300-500 words)

Why is Community Connect the right program for you right now? (300-500 words)

How will the personal connections you make in Community Connect help you become more engaged and accomplish your goals in the community? (300-500 words)

Tuition & Funding
Tuition for the Community Connect program is $650, due in full by Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Payment can be made by the participant, a financial sponsor (such as an employer or organization), or a combination of both. Accepted applicants may also apply for a scholarship to help cover tuition; scholarship awards are not guaranteed.

I have read and understand the Tuition and Funding policy.
Attendance Policy
Participants are expected to attend all regularly scheduled program sessions and may miss no more than one session. Please note that the first session is required. Participants will be counted absent if they arrive 30 minutes after the class has started or leaves 30 minutes prior to the official dismissal. Appeals to this policy should be submitted to the Lead DSM Programs Director. Dates for the 2026 program can be found at www.leaddsm.org/communityconnect.

I have read and understand the Attendance policy.
Applicant Commitment
Please review and indicate your understanding of the program commitment.

The Community Connect program requires full participation and commitment. The curriculum includes activities and discussions that invite you to share your personal values, goals, and beliefs.

Yes, I understand and commit to fully participating in the program.

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Optional Demographic Questions
At Lead DSM, we are committed to creating an inclusive learning environment that reflects the diversity of the Greater Des Moines community. We encourage you to share any aspects of your identity you wish us to know. Lead DSM does not discriminate based on any aspect of identity and strives to provide a welcoming, supportive environment for everyone.

Select all that apply

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

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

Select 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