HIGH SCHOOL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY NOMINATIONS ARE OPEN

Nominate a WDMCS student grade 9-12 for High School Leadership Academy. Nominations will close on November 2nd, 2026.

WEST DES MONES, IA (OCTOBER 12, 2026) – The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce (WDM Chamber), in partnership with the West Des Moines Community Schools (WDMCS), announced that nominations are now open for the 2027 High School Leadership Academy (HSLA) class, presented by Microsoft. This free program gives students in grades 9-12 in the WDMCS district the chance to expand their leadership skills through hands-on experience, expert speakers, and real-world training.

HSLA’s mission is to help West Des Moines students build the skills and confidence to take on whatever comes next. This initiative allows for up to 30 students to participate in a 4-month experience from January to April. Through the program, students gain the tools to lead, collaborate, and stand out in their school, work, and community. At the end of their time in this academy, students will have had the opportunity to explore career pathways, examine their leadership style, and discover how to reinvest in their community.

“HSLA is an incredible opportunity for high schoolers to explore career paths and local companies, grow professionally, make an impact in our community, and strengthen their interpersonal and leadership skills," said Leah Dillon, Workforce Development Coordinator at the WDM Chamber. "It’s a program I would recommend to any high school student because we meet each student where they are and provide them with a valuable experience.”

“High School Leadership Academy is an excellent opportunity to collaboratively engage with the school and community, learning and improving leadership skills while creating and implementing a community project to benefit others," Dr. Shane Christensen, Principal of Valley High School. "I strongly recommend it!”

HSLA is free for all participants, thanks to our sponsors. Sponsorships start at $650 and include public recognition among other benefits, offering businesses the opportunity to connect with the next generation of West Des Moines leaders. Those interested in supporting HSLA can contact Leah Dillon at leah@wdmchamber.org.

Anyone can nominate a student, and the student does not need to have previous leadership experience. The deadline to submit nominations is November 2, 2026. Learn more and nominate a WDMCS student through the HSLA webpage. Reach out to leah@wdmchamber.org with any questions.

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About the WDM Chamber of Commerce

The West Des Moines Chamber of Commerce, established in 1924, is a dynamic organization dedicated to championing all things West Des Moines. With a focus on strengthening local businesses, providing personalized resources, and attracting a top-tier workforce, the Chamber aims to position WDM as the best suburban city in America. Celebrating a century of excellence, the Chamber boasts a diverse community of over 900 members, offering something for everyone. Explore the possibilities, learn more about the chamber, and discover how you can get involved in shaping the future of West Des Moines at wdmchamber.org.