By Degrees Foundation

Des Moines to Japan 🗾
A group of students and chaperones from Des Moines recently embarked on a 10-day trip to Japan through the Des Moines Public Schools' Moines Public Schools' exchange program with Kofu. This program provides students with the chance to explore Japanese culture and history.

Thanks to a grant from the Business Women's Association (BWA) Foundation, By Degrees was able to help three students from Harding Middle School and North High School join the trip. They visited historic sites like the Takeda Shrine and Museum, hiked near Mt. Fuji, and participated in tea ceremonies and calligraphy.

Thank you to DMPS and the BWA Foundation for supporting these valuable opportunities.
Photo Credit: Phil Roeder

Our high school graduates are readying for their postsecondary plans, and for most, that comes with a price tag.

By Degrees Foundation operates one of the only programs in the nation that pairs early, ongoing postsecondary and career exploration with real-dollar investments into students' 529 savings accounts.

This year, we expanded our 529 program to North High, allowing all of our students the opportunity to earn toward their postsecondary futures. With this expansion, we opened over 1000 new accounts across our partner schools during the 2025-2026 school year!

To learn more about how we're expanding our 529 Program to serve more students in Des Moines, click here: https://www.bydegreesfoundation.org/529expansion

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Double your impact for By Degrees! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce our participation in the Birdies for Charity program through the Principal Charity Classic!

Donating today via the link below will match your generous contribution, doubling the support we can provide Iowa's children. This is a powerful opportunity to amplify your impact and help us reach our goals.

Join us in celebrating this cause at the Wakonda Club from June 10 to June 11th, 2026 for the Pro-Am. Professional competition runs June 12 – June 14th. As you cheer on the professionals, know your support makes a meaningful difference!

https://www.bydegreesfoundation.org/get-involved