West Des Moines Leadership Academy Class of 2024 Makes Significant Community Impact

The West Des Moines Leadership Academy, a flagship program operated by the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, recently celebrated the graduation of its latest cohort. The program, which spans nine months, serves as a cornerstone for professional development in the region, equipping emerging leaders with the skills necessary to navigate complex civic and business challenges.

Beyond classroom instruction, the academy places a heavy emphasis on practical application. Each graduating class is tasked with a community-impact project, requiring them to identify local needs and execute a comprehensive fundraising or service initiative. For the 2024 cohort, the focus was squarely on expanding accessibility to youth recreation.

Supporting Youth Through Can Play

The graduating class dedicated their efforts to supporting Can Play, a prominent Des Moines-based nonprofit organization. Can Play specializes in providing adapted, no-cost sports and recreation programming for children and families facing physical, cognitive, or financial barriers to participation.

The class successfully raised over $90,000, a milestone that will have a tangible effect on the organization’s operational capacity. According to project organizers, these funds are earmarked for two primary objectives:

• Transportation Infrastructure: The purchase of a new van, which will allow the organization to better transport equipment and participants to various community events.
• Program Sustainability: Reinvesting the remaining capital into ongoing sports programming to ensure that no child is turned away due to lack of resources.

Community Engagement and Fundraising Success

The project was not merely a monetary drive; it involved a multi-faceted approach to community engagement. The cohort organized a mini-golf fundraising event titled “Can Play Fore All,” which served as the primary engine for their financial goal. The event was bolstered by a heavy focus on volunteerism, resulting in over 220 hours of service dedicated to the fundraiser alone.

the group partnered with Play It Again Sports to host a large-scale equipment drive. This initiative ensured that families had access to the necessary gear to participate in sports, supplemented by an additional 61 hours of volunteer work directly supporting Can Play’s daily programming.

Key Takeaways from the 2024 Initiative

• Significant Financial Impact: The cohort raised more than $90,000 for local youth sports initiatives.
• Strategic Partnerships: By collaborating with local businesses like Play It Again Sports, the team maximized the reach of their equipment drive.
• Leadership in Action: The project demonstrated the effectiveness of the West Des Moines Leadership Academy in mobilizing professional networks for the public good.

Looking Ahead

The success of the 2024 class highlights the vital role that local leadership programs play in strengthening the social fabric of the Des Moines metropolitan area. By bridging the gap between professional development and community service, the West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce continues to foster a culture of philanthropy and civic responsibility. As these graduates transition into new leadership roles within their respective industries, the impact of their work with Can Play will continue to benefit local families for years to come.