Y Achievers - YMCA of Greater Des Moines

06/12/2026

And just like that, LIT Season 2 is a go! We had a great prep week for our 18 young leaders for across the metro. It’s going to be an awesome summer! 🔥 🌞😎🚀

03/31/2026

APPLY TODAY! APPLICATIONS CLOSE AT 12 AM!🔥☀️🔥
https://forms.gle/eA41qaqs1CHXoCm5A

03/24/2026

There's still time to light up your summer with Y Achievers Leaders-in-Training program. Applications are being accepted NOW through March 31. Build leadership skills, knowledge of youth development, make new friends, and create core memories. Your summer will be LIT!
That's not a prediction, it's a spoiler!

Apply Here:
https://forms.gle/jXBYWRcBhu7RwjHe8
🔥🌞💦👧🧒🔥

03/06/2026

This week, Cameron Nicholson, CEO, and Ytzel Zelaya-Colunga, a member of our inaugural Leaders-in-Training program, attended the Y's National Advocacy Days in Washington, D.C.! 🏛️

Ytzel is a freshman at Des Moines Prep and the first-ever youth advocate from an Iowa Y to participate in this program. Throughout the week, they met with congressional leaders to highlight our mission, share stories of impact, and advocate for the Y's legislative priorities.

Thanks, Ytzel and Cameron, for representing the YMCA of Greater Des Moines on the Hill!

03/06/2026

Thanks to Work-Based Learning for an amazing morning yesterday at their Spring Professional Skills Workshop! Our Options Achievers gained awesome experiences including mock interviews and networking opportunities. 👨🏽‍💼👩🏻‍💼

03/05/2026

Huge shout out to Ytzel, a member of our inaugural 2024 Leaders-in-Training program, for representing us during Y Advocacy Days in Washington DC this week!

Ytzel is the FIRST Iowa Y Teen chosen to participate in this program in which she spent 3 months preparing to share the impact the Y has had on her life and to advocate for the Y’s legislative priorities.

Thank you Rep. Miller-Meeks for her continued support of the Y’s mission to strengthen community .

🏛️📢🔥

Great meeting with YMCA advocates, including Amy Schulte of the Washington County YMCA, to discuss supporting local facilities, expanding childcare opportunities, and strengthening the YMCA’s mission in our communities.

Proud to support the YMCA’s work, and to have recently secured $2.79 million in Community Project Funding for the Newton YMCA to expand opportunities for families across Jasper County.

03/02/2026

Looking for a Summer experience that provides opportunities to gain new skills while also having fun and earning some extra coin? Look no further than our Summer Youth Leaders-in-Training program! Back for our second summer, this opportunity is perfect for anyone ages 14-17 interested in careers in youth development. Applications are now open and will be accepted through Friday, March 13.

Click the link below to make your Summer LIT!🌞🔥🔥🔥
https://forms.gle/ZasHhQNgDx5jZZW1A

01/13/2026

Check out our new leadership development opportunity in collaboration with The Directors Council for young men in grades 9-12!

Applications are now open for Leaders Like Me, an opportunity for young men to connect with Executive Leadership from across central Iowa as well as peers who are looking to unlock the leader within!

Deadline to apply is Saturday, January 31!

https://forms.gle/ExV7dbkceLY53gpt8

12/10/2025

Destiny is finding what’s next thanks to Polk County Healthcare Workforce Collaborative and Unity Point Health Methodist Medical Center! Another path charted!

12/02/2025