Blog - The Greater Des Moines Partnership

What to Know About School Bonds on 2025 Ballot

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Twelve school districts in the Greater Des Moines region will have bond referendum votes on the ballot this fall. Here’s what you need to know.

A New Mural Brings Color, Collaboration and Community Pride to Bondurant’s City Park

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Visitors to Bondurant’s City Park will notice a new splash of color greeting them at the south end of the grounds. In the public parking lot that serves parkgoers, a vibrant mural has been completed thanks to a creative partnership between professional artist Chris Vance, Bondurant-Farrar High School students and their art teacher Andrew Golightly.

Introducing the DMPS Volunteer Literacy Program

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In life, there are many small things that we do that have large, lasting effects on the lives of others. The Des Moines Public School system has a new opportunity to do just that through the foundation of the Volunteer Literacy Program. In approximately hour-long sessions, volunteers will have the chance to meet with elementary students seeking assistance in reaching the literacy skills expected for their age group. According to Kayli Becker, Chief of Staff and Philanthropic Engagement at Des Moines Public Schools, the Volunteer Literacy Program offers community volunteers a chance to make a meaningful impact “one book, one student and one reading session at a time.”

How Des Moines University Is Redefining Medical Education and Powering Innovation in Greater Des Moines

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

At Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences, we believe the future of health care depends not only on the quality of today’s education but also on the vision and innovation we embed into that education.

Designing For People. By People. One Internship at a Time.

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Last spring, I wrapped up my third year in Iowa State University’s architectural program. Each year since starting the program, I’ve made a point to visit CMBA Architects’ booth at the annual College of Design career fair. What drew me back year after year was the firm’s commitment to people-centric design, creating buildings that truly serve the people who use them. That commitment is what inspired me to apply to intern with the firm and what’s made my internship experience so invaluable.

DMACC Program Gives High School Students the Ability to Earn College Credits for Free

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

DSM provides a wealth of opportunities for youth — including the ability for high school students to get a jump start on their future by earning Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) credits for free.

iJAG is Empowering Communities Through Career Pathways and Work-Based Learning

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG), the statewide leader in bridging education and the workplace, is seeking community wide investment in helping students discover, plan and prepare for careers through pathway exploration and work-based learning opportunities. By doing so, we can strengthen workforce development with a more skilled workforce and boost our local economies — both of which strengthen Iowa’s communities, metro and rural alike.

Thought Leadership with iJAG

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Work-based learning is imperative in helping Iowa businesses build and maintain their talent pipelines. This type of programming provides students with opportunities to develop relationships, gain exposure and gain work experience in various business and industry sectors starting as early as seventh grade which fosters the critical development of employability skills, leadership and human skills needed, along with implementing a solid career pathway upon graduation from high school.

Work with a Foundation of Learning

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Work-based learning, or should I say work with a foundation in learning? I’ve spent many years directly working with work-based learning in my roles as a Network Cable Installation Instructor (NCI) Instructor for Ottumwa Job Corps and Telecom Installation Supervisor for Mahaska Communications Group (MCG). In my time at Ottumwa Job Corps, I prepared students for the opportunity to participate in work-based learning with MCG and other Internet Service Providers. At MCG I have taken work-based learning students from Ottumwa Job Corps and helped them to develop into full time employees at MCG and also prepared them for employment with other businesses.

FBLA Brings Top Talent to Vibrant Des Moines

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is the largest student-led, business-focused career and technical student organization in the world. We inspire and prepare students to become community-minded business leaders, and with more than 3,400 college members across 500+ chapters, FBLA is leading the way in creating opportunities for students entering the workforce through relevant career preparation and leadership experiences.