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Provides programs and training for youth, including:

- Life skills training

- Peer mentorship

- Career readiness

- Tutoring and after school programs

- Dance and step programs

- Sports camp

Wize Girls is a program for girls in 6th, 7th and 8th graders that meet weekly during the school year. Program is available year-round at no cost, with services including special projects, community-based education, transportation, and recreation services. 

Offers a program designed to empower young entrepreneurs to develop entrepreneurial skills to launch their own businesses. Students receive mentorship from business professionals from the Des Moines Metro area where they obtain hands-on skills and connections to confidently pitch their business ideas at the conclusion of the program.

Provides a boxing diversion program to drug use, gangs, and violence. Services are available for all youth, especially those in low-income households, to participate in extracurricular activities while providing a safe, healthy, and positive environment. Youth are taught the fundamentals of Olympic boxing through the direction of licensed/certified coaches. The program is designed to teach responsibility and self-control while supporting positive life outlook. Issues of pre-delinquent and delinquent behaviors such as alcohol and drug use are addressed in the program. Can also establish tutors for youth members as needed.

Park district with various programs and facilities youth activities and camps, environmental education, aquatics, dance, gymnastics, sports, special events, fitness, and teen and adult programming.

Provides recreational activities for all ages. Programs include aquatics, Adventure Guide Programs, youth development, active older adult programs, and healthy living.

Offers youth development programs for youth between the ages of 5-18. The Club is open to all youth and offer a variety of after school activities, including academic and team building exercises. Homework assistance is also provided as well as an after school snack.

Story time and activities for children.

Offers a positive youth development program which combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles in pre-teen girls. The core Girls on the Run curriculum addresses many aspects of girls' development like their physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being. Over a period of 10 weeks, girls participate in an after-school program. Designed to allow every girl to recognize her inner strength, the curriculum inspires girls to define their lives on their own terms. Throughout the season, the girls make new friends, build their inner confidence, and celebrate all that makes them unique.

Provides a summer camp June – August, Mon-Fri 7:30 am-6 pm. Elementary and Middle School ages ages 5-12.

Helps youth achieve positive growth and development, improve expectations and capabilities for future success, and avoid and/or reduce risk-taking behavior.

Offers academic enrichment, life skills education, parental involvement, recreational/cultural opportunities, positive adult mentors, and community service.

Provide life-long learning opportunities by partnering with schools, families and neighborhood residents to promote youth development and stronger communities through before and after school programs, Community Learning Centers and youth summer programs.

Offers recreation programs and services to the residents of Des Moines. Parks, trails, and public recreation facilities are available throughout the city.

The Recreation Division provides instruction in various sports, youth sports camps, outdoor aquatic centers, spray grounds, and arts and crafts instruction for individuals interested in developing or enhancing their creative skills. Red Cross swimming instruction is also available at some facilities. The GRASP card offers discounts to low-income families (up to 50% off).

Community Centers offer a variety of activities, open recreation, meeting space, and are barrier-free to allow for participation by persons with a disability. See individual listing for Community Centers.

The Parks Division includes cemeteries, floral gardens and displays, golf courses, tennis courts, bike trails, picnic parks and shelters, swimming pools, and public boat ramps.

Offers structured activities and life skills education during after-school hours to help keep students out of trouble. Each REACH site offers academic enrichment, life skills education, adult mentoring (conflict resolution skills, peer support, etc.), recreational activities, and tutoring.

Boxing gym with a mentorship and violence prevention program, with the goal of helping increase school graduation rates.

Programming teaches non-combative de-escalation, how to properly exercise and diet for a healthy lifestyle, and how to process and release emotions or stress in a positive manner.

Members are given strategic exercises individually and in a group, in both a classroom and gym setting.

Provides a youth development and drop-in center which offers sound recording studio ,visual arts studio, gallery, drama, art workshops, support groups, youth volunteer opportunities, after school programs.