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New to The Institute! 

The Youth Leadership Initiative (YLI) became a program of the Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute June 1, 2019, beginning with its 2019/2020 class. YLI is generously sponsored by the Greater Des Moines Partnership. 

YLI began as a program of the Leadership Institute in 2003 and became an initiative of The Partnership in 2011. YLI’s return home to the Leadership Institute umbrella reflects the growth of the program and its alignment with the long-term vision of the Leadership Institute. The Leadership Institute is excited to welcome the program back home!


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 in life and as they embrace their roles as shapers of a community where their dreams can be realized.    

High school sophomores and juniors 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 where their dreams can be realized.


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 & Program Details

  • Apply Here for the YLI Class of 2021.
  • Adult Referral Link, for YLI Class of 2021 applicants.
  • We are currently taking applications for the 2021 class is through April 22, 2020.
  • Sessions take place one full Friday per month and one Monday evening per month. Prior to submitting your application, please review the schedule and attendance policy.
  • The program is tuition-free, thanks to generous support from people and organizations who believe in the leadership potential of youth.
  • Applicants should apply during their freshman or sophomore years to participate in the program during their sophomore or junior years.
  • Class selection will be completed and announced in May. Approximately 40 students from public and private high schools from across the Greater Des Moines area will be selected.
  • You may review and download a copy of the application prior to applying online.
  • Contact Kelly Royal at kroyal@gdmli.com with questions about the program.

Student Resources


Straight from the Students

The leadership skills that I have gotten to witness and experience though YLI are greater than I ever could’ve imagined. I have been fortunate to be able to  interact with amazing community leaders and learn from their experiences. My communication and interpersonal skills have gotten stronger from interacting with my mentors and learning from them.  The skills I have gained and improved upon relate heavily to the five leadership practices, in which I have become better at identifying in my everyday life. I will be able to use these attributes as I continue to go after my personal and professional goals. 

-Charlie, YLI Class of 2019


YLI has changed my mindset, my point of view, my insight on things, and my options for the better. YLI gives the experiences of a lifetime and leads to other opportunities for high schoolers that you may not get anywhere else in Des Moines. YLI has taught me that I have to speak up and share my opinions on what I love.

-Riziki, YLI Class of 2019

In the last 5 years, I have met with many capable smart young people. In working with them, I have realized that even though most have good grades, they lack other life skills. Good grades alone can’t get them scholarships and ready for future jobs. They will need leadership, service and character to help them secure great opportunities and that is what YLI offers. YLI has helped my daughter enhance her other skills and I truly appreciate the opportunity that my child has been given through YLI.

-Nancy, Riziki's Mom



YLI is made possible by the generous support and collaboration with:


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