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Career-Ready Educational Programming in DSM

Numerous community organizations offer programming to help future job candidates prepare for a life and career in Greater Des Moines (DSM). Training programs, job shadowing and more are available to middle and high school students, offering opportunities for them to tap into their unlimited potential, grow their job skills and get to the next phase of their professional journey. Listed below, you’ll find programming committed to readying the workforce of tomorrow for success as they work towards their future careers in DSM. 

Drake University Summer Camps in Des Moines

At Drake University, high school students can step onto a college campus and learn about fields of study that interest them thanks to summer camps devoted to exploring potential careers. Through Media Now, high school students can get training for journalism through field trips to local news organizations and by attending classes and workshops on topics like editorial leadership, careers in communications and sports broadcasting.  The BULLD.O.G.S. in Healthcare summer program introduces high school students to the health profession and allows them to explore different pathways in nursing, pharmacy and more. Business Horizons is a week of innovative learning for high school students on how to launch a business and includes an investor pitch. 

Learn more about Media Now, BULLD.O.G.S. in Healthcare and Business Horizons as well as other summer camps to get students career-ready. 

iJAG in Greater Des Moines

As Iowa’s leader in career development, iJAG offers programs for students not only in the region, but across the state of Iowa. Students can work with their school’s iJAG Specialist to explore careers, make connections with local businesses and develop their skills through events like career fairs and other iJAG events, such as the Leadership Development Conference in November, Career Development Conference in March and Skills Development Conference in May. 

Learn more about iJAG. 

Jewels Academy in Des Moines

The scholars in Jewels Academy find enrichment through programs specifically designed for 4th through 12th grade girls who are excelling in STEM. From an annual math program to a young emerging scientists’ program, underrepresented and underserved girls can nurture their interest in STEM subjects and learn about the benefits of leadership in the workplace. Other opportunities through Jewels Academy include the Emerald Innovation College Prep Program (EICP) and the opportunity for older participants to serve as peer mentors to the younger students. 

Learn more about Jewels Academy.  

Job Ready Pathways Skills Training Program with Goodwill in Johnston

Goodwill's Job Ready Pathways program is an opportunity to develop soft skills, including: 

  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Time management
  • Teamwork
  • Professionalism

Participants must be over the age of 18 and receive funding from Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation Services. The program helps participants develop soft skills over the course of seven weeks at the Johnston training facility to prepare for the following: 

  • Job readiness
  • Job seeking
  • Job keeping

Learn more about the Job Ready Pathways Skills Training Program. 

Job Shadowing with Health Care Organizations

Learn what it means to work in health care for a major health system at locations across DSM. Explore a variety of health care careers, including nursing, pharmacy, radiology and more.  

Learn more about job shadowing opportunities available through UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, MercyOne and Broadlawns Medical Center. 

Legacy Project: Career Ready Collective in Greater Des Moines

Every Friday for six weeks in June and July, students enrolled in the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s Career Ready Collective to learn professional presence and communication, time and stress management, personal finance and goal setting while also hearing from keynote speakers who are driving change and development in the region.  Attendees can take part in mock interviews, attend a college expo and career fair and find inspiration in a curriculum that covers pertinent topics that help students master the skills they need in the workplace. 

Learn more about the Career Ready Collective.

Pathways for Our Future Pilot in Marshalltown and Perry

Through Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, students  can take part in the Pathways for Our Future Pilot meetings at B. R. Miller Middle School in Marshalltown as well as at Perry Middle School in Perry. This college readiness program for middle school students runs from mid- to late-October through mid-November and early December for six weeks. 

Learn more about the Pathways for Our Future in Marshalltown and Perry. 

Pi515 in Greater Des Moines

An opportunity for underserved youth to succeed by enhancing skills for the workforce, Pi515 focuses on coding, web design, virtual reality and more. Attaining college and career readiness is possible through the following Pi515 programming: 

  • Teach Mentorship Program
  • Career Accelerator Program
  • Smart Cities
  • SMART Money Summer Program
  • Girls' Entrepreneurship Incubator
  • High School Summer Internship

Pi515 also offers events for students focused on the future world of work. Pi515 and Microsoft’s Day of Innovation Summit in April celebrates innovation in tech while the corresponding AI Challenge is specifically for college-age students to develop their own AI solutions — whether through supporting schools or addressing ag sector challenges. Through a partnership with Pi515 and John Pappajohn Entrepreneurial Center, the Girls’ Entrepreneurship Incubator in March allows girls ages 14-22 to innovate and pitch a business to a panel of judges. 

Learn more about Pi515. 

Ready 515 in Des Moines

The YMCA of Greater Des Moines is committed to helping middle and high school students achieve  their goals through the Ready 515 program. Students can explore college and career options, take tours of DSM offices, learn about mentorship and more. This program is the perfect way for students near graduation to prepare for their next steps.  

Learn more about Ready 515. 

Workforce Training Academy (WTA) in Greater Des Moines

Looking for a better paying job in business, health care, skilled trades or transportation? The Workforce Training Academy (WTA) programming through Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) offers a way for participants to earn a certificate in as little as three months. And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. Thanks to WTA Career Navigators, students benefit from career and interview coaching as well as resume building. 

Learn more about WTA. 

Y-EXCL in Des Moines

At DMACC’s Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families, students ages 14-21 can take part in a 10-week work-based learning experience during the summer months. Pathways can be in agriculture, building trades, engineering, health care, public service and more. Note: The Evelyn K. Davis Center also offers Career Coaches who can help with resume writing, mock interviews and more. 

Learn more about Y-EXCL. 

Explore Careers in DSM

Find your passion in DSM. Request a free relocation guide to learn more about the region or reach out to a MVP with questions.