Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines has awarded two $25,000 Leadership Grants to back projects that meet community needs. 

Awarded through the Better Together Fund, the grants this will support: 

— By Degrees Foundation. Formerly the “I Have a Dream” Foundation, the organization plans to extend the Dreamer Academy model to deliver college and career programming to students at North High School, part of a network that also includes Findley Elementary and Harding Middle School. The project will work on partnerships and improving access to resources.

“By Degrees is building on decades of partnership with Des Moines Public Schools to establish K-12 programming that invests in students and families,” said Emily Westergaard, executive director of By Degrees. “The Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines’ support of our Dreamer Academy model underscores the opportunity for innovative interventions to extend the influence of our schools. We are grateful for support that will help us launch at North High School.”  

— Community Youth Concepts. The project will include development ropes courses at Stowe Elementary School. The courses will be managed by CYC, a youth development organization that engages middle and high school youth in programming directed at healthy behaviors, life skills and sense of purpose. This project is projected to serve over 2,000 metro-area youth annually with programming that emphasizes building core skills around confidence, teamwork, problem-solving and trust. It will also enhance opportunities by becoming the only wheelchair accessible high ropes course in the Midwest. 

“When individuals have experiences that allow them to build relationships and work as a team, they are in a better position to consider other perspectives when tackling community issues,” says Amy Croll, executive director of Community Youth Concepts. “We are thrilled the Community Foundation chose to make a tidal wave investment in an experience that molds youth into confident leaders ready to work together on the tough community issues of today and tomorrow.”