By Degrees Foundation is helping students on Des Moines’ north side imagine, and prepare for, bright futures through expanded college, career, and financial education opportunities made possible by support from Variety – the Children’s Charity of Iowa.
Through a recent grant from Variety, By Degrees Foundation has strengthened its K-12 postsecondary and career programming for students at Findley Elementary, Harding Middle School, and North High School. The funding supports hands-on career exploration, visits to colleges and workplaces, financial education opportunities, and resources that help students and families confidently plan for life after high school.
By Degrees Foundation partners with schools in northeast Des Moines to ensure every student graduates with a plan for what comes next. Beginning in kindergarten and continuing through high school graduation, students receive consistent support, exposure, and opportunities that help them build future-focused habits and pathways toward success.
Variety’s investment strengthens our ability to give students real-world exposure to college and careers while equipping families with the financial tools to plan for the future. With this support, we can help more young people see what’s possible and take concrete steps toward achieving their goals.
Emily Westergaard, CEO of By Degrees Foundation
One student impacted by this work is Marcos, an eighth grader at Harding Middle School. An active student involved in Al Éxito and school soccer, Marcos participated in multiple future-focused experiences during the 2025-26 school year thanks to Variety’s support. He toured Central College in Pella, traveled to Chicago for an out-of-state college visit, attended leadership programming in Washington, D.C., and learned about saving for postsecondary education through his personal 529 account.
For Marcos, these opportunities made the future feel more real and attainable.
Having a 529 account makes me feel prepared for the future because it can help me with college classes that I may take.
Marcos
Marcos dreams of becoming either an electrician or a professional soccer player. Programs supported by Variety are helping him explore those possibilities while building confidence in his future. He feels like there are better opportunities for students, and better ways for students to explore their options in the world.
North High junior Ranya has also benefited from By Degrees programming. A student-athlete with aspirations of becoming a physician assistant and eventually a pediatrician, Ranya has participated in career exploration opportunities that connected her with healthcare professionals and exposed her to new pathways within the medical field.
I feel like branching out is really nice - especially because you can make lots of connections.
Ranya - reflecting on the importance of exploring different career opportunities
Ranya also emphasized how By Degrees staff intentionally create opportunities that are accessible to every student, regardless of their background or prior experience. She shared that her program manager is committed to making sure all students feel included and encouraged to explore new opportunities, believing the programs are truly “for everybody.”
Through support from Variety, By Degrees Foundation continues its long-term commitment to helping students graduate prepared to make informed decisions about their futures. By combining career exploration, postsecondary planning, mentorship, and financial education, the organization is helping more students become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and engaged members of their community.
For students like Marcos and Ranya, these experiences are doing more than opening doors - they are helping young people envision futures they once may not have thought possible.
