Community Youth Concepts

Community Youth Concepts Community Youth Concepts ensures all youth have access to high quality opportunities that prepare them for school, work, and life.

A mission-driven organization based in Des Moines, Iowa, Community!Youth Concepts (C*C) promotes the use of positive youth development principles and best practices through training and technical assistance and through youth development initiatives. Formed in 2008 by Amy Ostrander Croll and Lynette Marchant, C*C connects the adults in the community with youth to form avenues of change by developin

g common ground. C*C helps youth discover their passions and then connects them with adults who have similar interests. We believe that with the right opportunities and supports, anything is possible. We also believe the community, as a whole, needs opportunities to learn and explore together. Because of this, we offer occasional workshops that are adult and youth-friendly opportunities to simply learn from one another. This institution is an equal opportunity provider. https://hhs.iowa.gov/assistance-programs/food-assistance/emergency-food

Do you get C*C's monthly newsletter? Each month, you'll receive an exclusive story about one of our programs, along with...
09/01/2026

Do you get C*C's monthly newsletter? Each month, you'll receive an exclusive story about one of our programs, along with an educational article from Employee & Family Resources, a calendar of upcoming events in the community, and opportunities to support C*C.

Sign up today: https://www.cyconcepts.org/stay-in-the-know

It's easy to think caffeine is no big deal, but excessive caffeine consumption can be harmful for our health, especially...
08/30/2026

It's easy to think caffeine is no big deal, but excessive caffeine consumption can be harmful for our health, especially for teens. Swipe to learn how to cut back without feeling awful.

We hope everyone had a great first week of school! Our facilitators are in planning mode, getting ready to provide fun, ...
08/28/2026

We hope everyone had a great first week of school! Our facilitators are in planning mode, getting ready to provide fun, educational, and evidence-based lessons to our students.

Our Back to School fundraiser runs through the end of September, and it's a great way to support Iowa students. Last year, our students made dog toys for the ARL, ran a coffee cart to celebrate their teachers, created positive affirmation cards for younger students, tested local water quality, and so much more.

Donate here: https://cyconcepts.app.neoncrm.com/campaigns/back-to-school

Learn more about our programs: https://www.cyconcepts.org/about

At Waukee High School this year, C*C will be facilitating our new uVoice Expansion program. This pilot program was creat...
08/27/2026

At Waukee High School this year, C*C will be facilitating our new uVoice Expansion program. This pilot program was created in response to increased interest in our uVoice Youth Philanthropy Board. Students will learn skills and best practices in fundraising and use those skills to raise money for their own community.

C*C’s facilitators are trained in best practices for positive youth development, and we leverage those skills across all of our programs. Find out more about uVoice Expansion and our other school-based clubs here: https://www.cyconcepts.org/school-based

C*C will facilitate 13 clubs across 7 DMPS middle and high schools this year. We plan to offer Teen Outreach Program (TO...
08/26/2026

C*C will facilitate 13 clubs across 7 DMPS middle and high schools this year. We plan to offer Teen Outreach Program (TOP) at Meredith, Harding, Callanan, Roosevelt, Hoover, and North. At Findley, we will facilitate a Chrysalis Girls Group using TOP curriculum, and at Callanan and Harding we will be offering Group Mentoring for our 6th grade clubs.

C*C’s facilitators are trained in best practices for positive youth development, and we leverage those skills across all of our programs. Find out more about TOP, Group Mentoring, and our other school-based clubs here: https://www.cyconcepts.org/school-based

In the Saydel community school district this year, C*C will be facilitating a Chrysalis Girls Group at Woodside Middle S...
08/25/2026

In the Saydel community school district this year, C*C will be facilitating a Chrysalis Girls Group at Woodside Middle School. Girls Group is a once a week program designed to create a safe space for girls to feel empowered while building confidence, friendships, and leadership skills.

C*C’s facilitators are trained in best practices for positive youth development, and we leverage those skills across all of our programs. Find out more about Girls Group and our other school-based clubs here: https://www.cyconcepts.org/school-based

08/24/2026

Happy first day of school to students throughout the Des Moines metro! We are wishing everyone a great year of learning, fun, and community.

This year, C*C will be facilitating 15 school-based clubs across 3 school districts: Saydel, DMPS, and Waukee. Stay tuned this week to learn more about the programs we are offering this year.

Lots of people struggle with navigating change. Check out these tips to make it a little easier.
08/23/2026

Lots of people struggle with navigating change. Check out these tips to make it a little easier.

C*C is excited to announce that we have officially launched our new Neighborhood Giving program. This program is intende...
08/21/2026

C*C is excited to announce that we have officially launched our new Neighborhood Giving program. This program is intended to recognize our community of dedicated supporters who have made a commitment to keeping quality youth programs available and accessible in the state of Iowa.

We are immensely grateful for every single one of our supporters. Thank you.

Learn more about Neighborhood Giving: https://www.cyconcepts.org/our-neighbors
Become a Neighbor: www.cyconcepts.org/donate

As summer programming winds down and a new school year begins, we’re already looking forward to one of our favorite seas...
08/20/2026

As summer programming winds down and a new school year begins, we’re already looking forward to one of our favorite seasons at Stowe Heights.

Crisp air, changing leaves and time together among the trees make fall a beautiful time to build connections, strengthen your team and start the year with a little adventure.

Bring your team. Build your comfort zone. Start the year strong.

Fall dates are booking now! Contact [email protected] and visit our website at www.stoweheights.org

Address

1446 Martin Luther King Jr Pkwy
Des Moines, IA
50314

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+15152434292

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Community Youth Concepts posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Community Youth Concepts:

Shortcuts

Share

Category