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Safe & Thriving Youth

Youth Activity Opportunities

This community-led coalition convened by United Way of Central Iowa has compiled several opportunities for youth that can be viewed and applied for below.

Pi515

Age Requirement: Grades 10,11,12

  • Free opportunity
  • Tuesdays and Thursdays for 6 months after school
  • Location: Opportunity would take place at the business partner's space, locations will vary

The Tech Mentorship Program prepares the youth of today to be the employees of tomorrow. Participants learn the technology and professional skills that equip them to compete in a digital workforce. Participants in the Tech Mentorship Program learn directly from industry professionals. Students of all background and skill levels are invited to participate.

Additional Information

Community Youth Concepts - Garden Club

Age Requirement: Middle and high school students

  • Free activity
  • Mondays and Thursdays starting June 10th, 1:00-2:30pm
  • Location: Community Youth Concepts 1446 Martin Luther King Jr. Pkwy Des Moines, IA 50314

Garden Club is a year long program that meets once a month during winter and spring, and more frequently over summer. Students who join will get to help with the budgeting and planning of the garden as well as get to plant, weed, water, and harvest any produce in the garden. Students will also learn about environmental issues, sustainability, and other topics through lessons, activities, and field trips.

Email for Additional Information


Africans In Iowa for Empowerment

Age Requirement: 5 - 15 years old

  • Location: Park Fair Mall (100 E. Euclid Ave., Suite B, Des Moines, IA 50313)
  • Preferred that students are residents of Polk County.
  • Registration is required, but is offered for free. 
Our organization is open to helping students who are having issues with math and English subjects. Volunteers will meet with the students to assist them based on a schedule that works best for individuals working together. Currently, this service is being held during times when we have our computer literacy in session, but eventually, it will become a fully implemented part of the program and will be scheduled out in 6-week intervals. 

Girls on the Run – YMCA

Age Requirement: 3rd - 8th grade

  • Location: Schools and community centers across the metro.
  • Spring registration opens March 27
  • $150 with financial assistance based on household income.
We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. Seasons are 8-10 weeks during the fall and spring, twice weekly, for 3rd-8th grade girls. Roughly 30 sites throughout the metro. Spring registration opens March 27. 

Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Iowa

Age Requirement: 6 - 18 years old

  • Students must have transportation home from Club.
  • Locations: Carver Elementary, Hiatt Middle, East High School, Studebaker Elementary, McCombs Middle, Moore Elementary, Meredith Middle, Hoover High School, and Drake University.
  • Fees vary by club location. Contact the club site for more information

We serve youth ages 5-18 after school during the school year and all-day during 12 weeks of summer. Weekday afterschool enrichment programs. Academic support and enrichment, leadership and character development, physical activity, SEL, healthy snacks and meals, extracurricular clubs like girl scouts, art center, music, and more, and college and career exploration. Multiple locations across the DSM metro. 

Find more information.

Compiled List of Des Moines Area Summer Camps

Variety of Camps for All Ages

There are many camps, with a wide variety of focus areas that are occurring during the summer months across the Des Moines metro. The Des Moines Parent website has compiled a list of some of these opportunities onto one website. 
 

Partners

If your program or organization would like to get involved in providing activity opportunities to central Iowa's youth, please follow the buttons to fill out the form below.

Youth Activity Opportunities Form