Application: YLI Class of 2027

About the Program:

The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) empowers future leaders to step into leadership today - shaping the community they will inherit tomorrow. Through hands-on experiences and exposure to real community issues, this eight-month, tuition-free program equips high-potential high school students to build confidence, skills, and perspective as they ready themselves to make a difference in Greater Des Moines.

Through YLI, students will: 

  • Develop leadership, communication, and professional skills
  • Explore careers and community challenges through real‑world learning
  • Learn directly from local business and community leaders
  • Participate in one full‑day session per month during the school day (October–May)
  • Have the opportunity to earn DMACC college credit

Program Fee:
There is a $40 acceptance fee due at orientation if selected, with no additional costs or tuition for the year. A no‑questions‑asked scholarship is available during the acceptance process. This fee should never prevent any student from applying or participating.

Alternative Application Request

We strive to make YLI accessible and inclusive for all students. If you would prefer to complete an interview instead of submitting the online application, please contact Mallory Riesberg at mallory@LeadDSM.org to request this option.

Application Tips

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

  • Be thoughtful and thorough. Go beyond basic facts—help reviewers understand who you are and what matters to you.
  • Use your authentic voice. AI tools can help you brainstorm, but your final responses should reflect your own thoughts, experiences, and personality.
  • Save your work as you go. Draft your answers in a separate document to avoid losing progress.
  • Ask for feedback. Consider having a trusted adult, teacher, or friend read your responses before you submit.
  • Plan ahead. Submit well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues or technical problems.

What's in the Application

  • Page 1: Contact information and written response questions.
  • Page 2: Optional demographic questions (these do not affect scoring)
Fields marked with an * are required.

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

Page 1/2

Applicant Information

Home address

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 Campus or Central Academy, please only list home high school)

Sophomore
Junior
Senior

Parent/Guardian/Relative
Teacher / Counselor / School Staff
Mentor / Coach
Past YLI Participant
Print / Email / Social Media / Website
Other

Application Questions

Tell us about a time you tried something new or challenging. What motivated you, and what did you learn about yourself? (300-500 words) 

Describe a change you’d like to see in your school, neighborhood, or community. Why does it matter to you, and how might people work together to make progress? (300-500 words)

Describe a time you supported someone else — a friend, classmate, coworker, or family member or such. What did you do, and what did you learn from the experience? (100-200 words)

Everyone leads differently. How do you tend to lead in your everyday life — or what’s one way you’d like to lead more? (2-4 sentences)

Why are you interested in participating in YLI this year? What do you hope to learn or experience? (2-4 sentences)

Participation Commitment

I understand that YLI meets one Friday per month and requires consistent attendance. If selected, I commit to participating fully in all sessions.

Do you anticipate any major conflicts with YLI Experience Days? If yes, please briefly explain.

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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.

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

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