The Genesis Youth Foundation seeks to level the playing field for immigrant and refugee youth and families. The Des Moines organization’s programming is focused on education, leadership opportunities, cultural and sports skills, technology and health care as well as hosting impactful events like the upcoming Ubuntu Leadership Summit and I Am Africa Gala, both taking place in August.
Learn more about Genesis Youth Foundation.
Head Start programming is federally funded that helps low-income families to gain access to services that equip them with what they need to ensure preschool aged children are ready for school expectations. Services through the program highlight student well-being and offer support in education (with an emphasis on literacy), social development, health / mental health screenings, nutrition and even physical activity. Early Head Start programming, from birth to age three, can also offer prenatal and postpartum support Programming can be found through different organizations across The Partnership’s 12-county region, including:
To apply for Head Start enrollment, the organizations above ask that you fill out an application and gather needed info —such as birth certificate, family income and proof of a child’s most recent physical and dental exam — as a part of the process. Sieda Community Action also offers Parenting Skills Workshops focused on the “First Five Years” as well as sessions on “Social & Emotional Foundations for Early Learning” for high-risk families in Mahaska County.
Learn more about Head Start in Iowa.
H.O.P.E.S in Guthrie Center
Guthrie County Health Services offer Helping Opportunities for Parents to Experience Success, and that includes services for young children like early education for children ages 0 to 5.
Learn more about H.O.P.E.S.
JUMP in Johnston
In Johnston, students in sixth through 12th grade can participate in the Johnston Youth Mentoring Program, or JUMP. During school hours, students meet with their mentor for one hour per week. Mentors act as role models who support students in learning basic life lessons and taking part in other fun activities.
Learn more about JUMP.
LINK in Grinnell
LINK stands for Lead, Inspire, Nurture, Keep and serves to engage children’s education in Grinnell through afterschool programming like a weekly Coding Club, mentoring and summer enrichment activities that include sports, cooking and STEAM experiments, depending on the week students sign up to attend.
Learn more about LINK.
Little Dutch Club in Pella
Pella’s before and after school care for kindergarten through fourth grade takes place at Madison Elementary. The Little Dutch Club includes small and large group activities, a read aloud time and outdoor activities that focus on play and social skills when weather permits.
Learn more about Little Dutch Club.
Metro Kids Care in Des Moines
At 21 elementary schools within Des Moines Public Schools, before and after school programming, is available thanks to Metro Kids Care, available both during the school year and the summer. Programming includes learning activities in STEM, literacy and art while also focusing on recreational fun.
Learn more about Metro Kids Care.
PACES in Perry
The Perry PACES Before & After School Learning Center is for students from preschool through fifth grade, with summer events organized by community partners like Perry Parks & Recreation, which arranges activities like mornings full of sports, dancing and more. The Perry Iowa Police Department has assisted students with things like bicycle safety as well.
Learn more about PACES.
The Zone in Indianola
After-school fun for middle school students in sixth through eighth grades is free for those registered for The Zone in Indianola. In partnership with Indianola Parks and Recreation, Indianola Middle School sets up events like dodgeball tournaments and arts and crafts activities, but students can also find homework assistance, fitness activities and more.
Learn more about The Zone.
Together Time in Ankeny
Unique Ankeny Community School District classes designed for a child and a caring adult are offered through Together Time programming. Classes with partner Blank Park Zoo have included learning about topics such as how animals stay warm, the daily life of a snake and the importance of pollinators.
Learn more about Together Time.
Many of the region’s cities also offer Extended Learning Programs (ELP) for enriched learning opportunities when students need programming beyond a school district’s main curriculum. Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale and Waukee are a few of the suburban cities that offer ELP programs, as do some smaller school districts in DSM like North Polk and PCM.
Always Learning in DSM
Ready to find expanded educational opportunities for your family in DSM? Request a free relocation guide to learn more about the region or reach out to a MVP with questions.