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           1446 MLK Jr. Pkwy., Des Moines, IA 50314
Phone: (515) 243-4292
        Email: [email protected]
Monthly happenings at CYC

Dear 

 

Did you hear that Community Youth Concepts accepted an intern this Spring? Well, I was lucky enough to be "the chosen one"! My name is Kelsey Powell and I am currently in my last semester of college at the University of Iowa School of Social Work that is located here in Des Moines as an extension program. I found my passion for helping others as a Girl Scout when I was about seven years old and haven't changed since. When I heard about CYC, I knew I would be happy here. I have always been interested in working with youth, especially in a strengths-based manner and this offered the perfect opportunity. Even outside of my internship I am constantly working with others. I am currently also employed at Wakonda Country Club where I provide service to the members and their families. Outside of interning, working, and schooling, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, painting, reading, and cooking. 

At CYC I have been given the opportunity to coordinate a program called Career Connect! Career Connect offers 6th-12th graders the opportunity to go on college tours, network with employers, participate in volunteer service projects, and meet with speakers to hear about job readiness topics (i.e. public speaking, interviewing, resume building). Being a student myself, I know how important it is to acquire these skills and have these experiences. This program will kick off the first week in March and will run through the end of April. If you know any students who would be interested in participating, it's not too late to sign up! Call CYC at 515-243-4292 or email me at [email protected]. Click here for more information.

Best, 
Kelsey 





Check Out CYC's Executive Director on Great Day Iowa!
CYC Director Amy Croll and GDMLI member Traci McBee sat down with Great Day to talk about the new Youth Enrichment Center. See the clip here:

CYC & GDMLI on Great Day Iowa! (2/16/15)


New Youth Volunteer Corps!

The CYC Volunteer Corps is a new group for like minded youth who enjoy volunteering. Join us for our first meeting Wednesday, February 25th 3-4 pm at CYC to talk about future meeting times and possible projects for our group! Please RSVP to Jenni at [email protected]



Help Youth Get Recognized for Service!

Community Youth Concepts is excited to announce the launch of the "What's Your 50?" youth volunteer recognition awards and the Youth of the Year Scholarship! Please pass along to qualified students and help us highlight the great volunteer efforts of youth in our state! click here for more details: whats your 50 recognition and scholarship application

 

Program Highlight: BE A MENTOR Des Moines!


Over the past year, CYC's AmeriCorps VISTA has coordinated the streamlining of the recruitment efforts of six local mentoring programs! This work will help streamline Des Moines metro mentor recruitment efforts while helping YOU figure out which mentoring program serves students you are most interested in mentoring. Please check out the newly launched website and consider mentoring today!  Many thanks to C3 Marketing and Principal Financial Group for helping in the success of this initiative!
Current Mentor Needs

  
Do you find yourself creating short films or videos with friends? Do you have a career in cinematic art? One of our awesome students is excited to learn more about working behind the scenes creating art for the big screen! Jessica is 15 and waiting for an inspiring mentor- just like you! Students in the CYC career-based mentoring program are specifically looking to learn more about their career options that align with their personal interests. Find out more information by contacting Kelsey!

MAKE A LASTING IMPACT TODAY! 
Our Mentoring Advantage Program is currently seeking mentors from the following fields:
  

-cinematic art

-sports

-writing

-culinary

-computers

-art and graphic design

-editing

-law

-African American culture 

 

CYC's Community Highlight: T.E.A.C.H.

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood� IOWA (Teacher Education and Compensation Helps) continues to assist childcare providers throughout the state to increase their professional development through sponsored scholarships.  
Several scholarship models (or choices) exist for family child care home providers, child care teachers, directors, and part day preschools or program providers. T.E.A.C.H. is administered by the Iowa Association for the Education of Young Children.

T.E.A.C.H. is a scholarship program that consists of four components: Education, scholarship, compensation, and commitment.  Currently, scholarships are available for CDA (Child Development Associate) credentials, diplomas, Associate degrees in Early Childhood Education, and Bachelor degrees in Early Childhood, Elementary Education WITH an Early Childhood Endorsement designated, or an Early Childhood Endorsement.

 

To connect with a TEACH counselor please call us at (515) 331-8000 or (800)469-2392, email us at [email protected] , or like us on Facebook. We'd love to hear from you and help you take the next step toward your educational and professional goal!

 

30 Days of Service for Global Youth Service Day
  
  CYC Trainings 
and Events 
  
Shoutouts and Current Needs
  
To register your community event email Anna for more information
 
CYC is excited to be leading the state of Iowa in youth service.  Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is April 17-19, 2015 and we are looking forward to engaging over 1,000 youth in giving back to their communities.  If you are interested in getting involved contact Anna.  If you would like to gain more information before moving forward, check out the informational webinar
we hosted last month!

Projects across the state that are suitable for youth volunteers can be registered online at www.gysd.org.
 
 


  
Click the link below each date to see an event description and to register 

 Friday, March 13, 2015 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

 

Cooperative Learning:

 

Do the youth in your program have opportunities to work together in groups, teaching and learning from each other? Cooperative learning is a way to nurture youth leadership, build community, and keep things fun. This workshop will equip participants with grouping strategies and ways to think about building cooperative learning into any program offering. 

 

Cooperative Learning Registration Link

 
Thursday, March 19, 2015
from 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Bike Tune Up Workshop: 

CYC is partnering with the Des Moines Bicycle Collective and SCHEELS to provide students an opportunity to receive tips on how to fix a tire and keep their bikes in tip top shape as we get ready for the spring season.

Click here to learn more! 

Resources will be available for students who don't have access to their own bike.


 Check the CYC training calendar to see updated training dates!


 

  
For more information about CYC's current needs visit our
Wish List

Most pressing need right now: 
  • Hostas
  • Ornamental grasses
  • Ferns 
  • Flowering perennials
  • Commercial grade garbage bags
  
A BIG thank you to our wonderful sponsors!
 

Bankers Trust

CenturyLink Foundation

Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service

Youth Service America

Mid-Iowa Health Foundation

Addam C. Medina Foundation 

Meredith Foundation

Chrysalis Foundation

Principal Financial Group

Iowa Dept. of Public Health

The Greater Des Moines Leadership Institute, Class of 2015

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

The Home Depot

Baker Group 

Staples Foundation

United Way of Central Iowa 

Anonymous Donor