chrysalis after-school

we don't just teach girls.

we build the next generation of leaders.

The idea that a girl can become a chemical engineer, carpenter, veterinarian, or corporate CEO was a notion that didn't exist years ago. Since we created Chrysalis After-School in 1998, our experience is that we can change this perspective for hundreds of adolescent girls every year.

Today, Chrysalis After-School is the community's leading program for girls ages 9 to 14 and for high school girls' leadership development. Our emphasis on resilience, connectedness, self-confidence, and health includes volunteerism, academic support, leadership development, STEM engagement, financial literacy, and mentoring.

To understand what's going on in the lives of adolescent girls, we involve them in all aspects of planning and implementation of Chrysalis After-School. Annual evaluations demonstrate the success of this strategy, as participant results report statistically higher changes (when compared with girls not in Chrysalis After-School programs) in the following areas:

  • intent to finish high school
  • ability to resist peer pressure
  • willingness to take responsibility for one's actions
  • understanding that working hard today can lead to a successful future

chrysalis after-school sites: 2024-2025

Every program site requires leadership from a school staff member and from a local nonprofit partner.

HIGH SCHOOL/PARTNER

GirlPower Peer Mentors (Multiple High Schools) – MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center

MIDDLE SCHOOL/PARTNER

Bondurant (3 programs) – ISU Polk County Extension
Brody – Brody PTO
Callanan - Callanan PTA
Carlisle – Carlisle PTO
Hiatt – Eyes Open Iowa
Holy Family – Holy Family Youth Foundation
Hoyt – DMPS SUCCESS Program


MIDDLE SCHOOL/PARTNER 

Indianola – WeLIFT Community Outreach
McCombs – McCombs Middle School
Meredith – Eyes Open Iowa
Merrill – Merrill PTA
Southeast Polk – Can Play Sports
Urbandale – Community! Youth Concepts
Weeks - DMPS Grants Office
Woodside - Community! Youth Concepts

 

 

 

 

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/PARTNER

Brubaker - Des Moines Public Schools
Harding – Community! Youth Concepts
Edmunds - Des Moines Public Schools
Hillside – Can Play
Holy Family – Holy Family Youth Foundation
Howe - Howe Elementary School
King – Community! Youth Concepts
Maple Grove – Waukee Community School District
Morris – Morris PTA
Stowe – DMPS SUCCESS Program
Valerius – Rotary Club of Northwest Des Moines
Windsor - Des Moines Public Schools