E-Newsletter: November 2014

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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 know CYC is currently partnering to evaluate the impact of youth engagement in service learning on academic outcomes? Preliminary results from CYC's pilot group for this research shows that 73% of youth who participated in service learning had an improved GPA. Additional data expanding on these findings will be available at the end of this academic year.

During this month of "thanks" we are reminded of the village of supporters who have been a part of CYC's journey to empower, equip, and engage youth across Iowa. To the more than 200 donors and allies of our work, we resoundingly say "Thank you!" Because of your support we are able to connect with more than 4,000 youth annually and help prepare them for ongoing success in school, work, and life. 

If you would like to learn more about CYC and how you can get involved, please contact us! 

 

Best regards and Happy Thanksgiving, friends!


Program Highlight: Career Connect

In October, CYC wrapped its first ever Career Connect workshop series. Career Connect engaged youth, ages 9-17, in opportunities that exposed them to post-secondary education, viable careers in central Iowa, and components of job readiness. The workshop series, encompassed the following elements: career networking and exploration, college visits, job readiness workshops, a Student Volunteer Corps, and connection to CYC's career based mentoring program. 19 students completed the Career Connect series! 

As a part of Career Connect, students visited AIB College of Business, Des Moines Area Community College, Iowa State University, and Central College. Students also networked with a variety of professionals at panel presentations held by Des Moines Register Media, Unity Point, World Food Prize, and Bio Century Research Farm. Students were introduced to job readiness concepts featuring partnerships with Kemin Industries, Greater Des Moines Partnership, and Service Legends. Last, but not least, students completed 15 hours of service learning while involved in Career Connect. Many thanks to Polk County Decategorization and all who helped make this a successful venture! 

Congrats Katie

Kudos to CYC board member and uVoice Youth Philanthropy Board member, Katie Foley for being recognized as the 2014 Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy. Katie was formally recognized for her contributions to the community on November 14th by the Association of Fundraising Professionals- Central Iowa Chapter. Way to go, Katie!
Urbandale Girls Group 

CYC's Urbandale Middle School girls group is currently recruiting students in 6th-8th grade. The group meets after school on Thursdays until 4:30. Snacks, fun, meaningful discussion, and community engagement are all included in this exciting group. For more information contact Tess!

Current Mentor Needs
  
  

Looking for a friend to work out with or play sports? Brian is a 16 year-old student who is up for any type of sport and is interested in learning more about careers in athletics. He is easy-going and is looking for a mentor that will help prepare him for a successful college career. 


 

If you or someone you know would be a good match for Brian, please contact Kelsey!


Our Mentoring Advantage Program is currently seeking mentors from the following fields:
  

-Computer science

-Horses/ equine science

-Fashion

-Veterinary medicine

-Journalism

-Sports

-Engineering

-Music

-Medicine 

-Culinary arts

-Theater

-Outdoor recreation

-Law enforcement

 

Volunteer Spotlight

CYC hosted a fabulous group of students from University of Kansas in recognition of their alternative fall break program. These super students helped with cleaning and painting at CYC's office and sorting (with some trying on, of course) costumes for the KWAKer Boo-tique Sale. Many thanks for their hard work! 
Donate to CYC with Amazon Smile!

Did you know you can support CYC while you complete your holiday shopping on Amazon through Amazon Smile? Follow this link to complete your online shopping with a portion of the proceeds being donated back to CYC. 
Community Connections
  
  CYC Trainings 
and Events 
  
Shoutouts and Current Needs
  
To highlight your community event email Jill for more information

 

Kiwanis will host the annual Basketball Jamboree November 22nd at Valley High School. Proceeds from the event benefit CYC. More information can be found here.

  

 

Polk County Conservation will host a Winter Birds workshop Tuesday, December 2 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Jester Park Lodge. Learn all of the secrets to setting up a successful bird feeding station where you live. 

 

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

 Check the CYC training calendar to see updated training dates!

 

 


 

 

  
For more information about CYC's current needs visit our
  
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

Prairie Meadows 

Iowa Dept. of Public Health

AIGA Design Assign

Sodexo Foundation

Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines

Home Depot

Baker Group 

Staples Foundation

Wright Tree Service

Anonymous Donor