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It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. Often attributed to Frederick Douglass.

Free After-School Mentoring for Fifth-Grade Boys

Boys 2 Men after-school activities

Boys 2 Men Youth Programs offers free weekly after-school mentoring for fifth-grade boys in the Des Moines community. Sessions give boys opportunities to practice teamwork, leadership and personal responsibility as they prepare for middle school.

Activities focus on individual and group wellness, leadership development, educational enrichment and practical skills. Through positive peer relationships and encouragement, boys can explore their strengths, build confidence and learn to make thoughtful choices.

Parents, guardians, volunteers and community supporters all have a part in helping boys grow. Families can start by asking about current openings and the arrangements for their child’s school.

Program Details and Enrollment

  • Who: Fifth-grade boys. Contact the team to confirm eligibility and current openings.
  • Area served: Des Moines community. Ask which schools and neighborhoods are currently served.
  • Cost: All programming and activities are free for participants.
  • Schedule: Weekly after school. Confirm the day, start and finish times, and season dates with the team.
  • Location: Confirm the participating school and session address before attending. Our PO Box is for mail only.
  • Transport and pickup: Ask about transportation and parent or guardian pickup arrangements before enrollment.
  • Snacks and supplies: Ask what is provided and what your child should bring.

Ask to enroll your son

Prefer to talk? Call (515) 771-1639. An inquiry starts the enrollment conversation; the team will confirm availability and next steps.

Parent Questions

Who can join?

The weekly after-school sessions are for fifth-grade boys in the Des Moines community. Ask the team about participating schools, eligibility, openings and how boys are selected.

Is the program free?

Yes. Programming and activities are free for participants.

When and where do sessions take place?

Sessions take place weekly after school. Contact the team for the current school or venue, day, times and season dates before making travel arrangements.

What will my son do?

Activities cover wellness, leadership development, educational enrichment and practical skills, with opportunities to practice teamwork and personal responsibility.

How do I enroll my son?

Use the contact form or call (515) 771-1639. Mention that you are asking about fifth-grade enrollment and ask the team to explain the next steps.

How are mentors screened and boys supervised?

Ask the program team to explain its current mentor screening, training, supervision and child-safety procedures before your child joins.

What should my child bring, and is transport available?

Confirm supplies, clothing, snacks, transportation and pickup arrangements with the team. These details need to be checked for your child’s session.

How can I help as a parent or volunteer?

Contact the team about current ways to support activities. Adults and high school students can learn about available roles on our volunteer page; requirements and availability should be confirmed before committing.

After School Sessions

Be Ready for Our Sessions

The weekly after-school sessions actively promote teamwork, leadership, and personal responsibility, and offer 5th-grade boys opportunities to engage.

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Individual & Group Wellness Activities

Teamwork and wellness activities encourage boys to support one another and build personal responsibility.

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Leadership Development Activities

Boys explore leadership through group activities that help them practice teamwork and make thoughtful choices.

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Education Enrichment Activities

Learning activities encourage curiosity and help boys build confidence as they prepare for middle school.

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Practical Skills Activities

Hands-on activities give boys opportunities to practice useful skills and work together.


Boys 2 Men after-school learning


Helping Boys Grow Through Purposeful After-School Learning

Our program is designed to provide a safe, engaging environment where young boys continue learning beyond the classroom. Through structured after school programs for boys, participants develop confidence, strengthen friendships, and build positive habits that support both academic and personal success.

Every session encourages boys to explore their potential while learning the significance of respect, responsibility, and teamwork. By participating in meaningful activities, students gain valuable experiences that prepare them to become productive members of their families, schools, and communities.

Leadership and growth program


A Program Focused on Leadership and Growth

Boys 2 Men Youth Programs believes that every child has the ability to become a positive leader when provided with the right guidance and encouragement. Our leadership programs for boys combine educational enrichment, wellness activities, and practical life skills to help participants develop strong character and decision-making abilities. Through consistent support from mentors and volunteers, boys learn how to overcome challenges while building resilience and self-confidence.

Looking for additional ways to support your child’s growth? Learn more about our mentoring programs for boys and discover how positive role models help shape confident, responsible young leaders.

What Participants Gain from Our After-School Sessions

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Engaging after school activities for boys that encourage teamwork and communication.

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Hands-on experiences that strengthen leadership and problem-solving skills.

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Academic support that promotes confidence and educational achievement.

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Positive peer interactions in a safe and encouraging environment.

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Practical life skills that prepare boys for future success at school and in their communities.

Building Strong Character Through Mentorship

Positive relationships are essential to a child’s development. Our approach to mentoring for young boys focuses on providing encouragement, accountability, and guidance through caring mentors who lead by example. These trusted relationships help participants improve self-esteem, develop healthy social skills, and make positive choices that extend beyond the program. Every mentoring opportunity is designed to inspire boys to set goals, believe in themselves, and become future leaders.

Leadership is developed through consistent learning and meaningful experiences. Our commitment to youth leadership training helps participants strengthen communication skills, practice responsibility, and develop the confidence needed to face new challenges. Every activity is intentionally designed to encourage personal growth while reinforcing values that contribute to lifelong success.

Continue the Journey of Growth

Together with volunteers, families, and community partners, we continue providing free opportunities that help boys thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. To learn more about programs that create lasting change, explore our at-risk youth mentoring programs and see how Boys 2 Men Youth Programs is helping build tomorrow’s leaders today.

Help keep mentoring free for boys in Des Moines.

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