Simpson Youth Academy

Simpson Youth Academy SYA is year-long educational program for high school students to explore issues of faith and social

At the Simpson Youth Academy we believe that young people have power and gifts that are essential for the healing of the world, not just in the distant future, but now. Grounded in the Christian tradition and utilizing resources from the United Methodist Church, we are an ecumenical community of youth and adult mentors who explore deep theological questions and take action, in order to equip youth to live into their vocations as agents of peace and justice in the church and world.

SYA staff intros! Meet Evan, our Alumni Retreat Track director: Hey!  My name is Evan and I am beyond excited to return ...
06/04/2026

SYA staff intros! Meet Evan, our Alumni Retreat Track director:

Hey! My name is Evan and I am beyond excited to return to SYA, this time as the Director for the Alumni Track! I’ve been involved in SYA since 2020 and have served as a mentor for the last four residencies. I currently live in Ames and work as an EMT in Des Moines. I am most passionate about climate change and how a green future can help create a truly just and sustainable community for everyone. I’m looking forward to continuing my learning and expanding my community with everyone this summer!

Mentor Monday! Meet new SYA summer staff member, Charlie:Hi! I’m Charlie. I graduated this spring from Grinnell High Sch...
06/01/2026

Mentor Monday! Meet new SYA summer staff member, Charlie:

Hi! I’m Charlie. I graduated this spring from Grinnell High School. This fall I will be attending Emory University with the goal of becoming an epidemiologist. I was a scholar in 2024, and am thrilled for my first time as a mentor!

SYA summer staff intros! Meet Lucy:Hey! My name is Lucy and I just graduated from at AC/GC high school. This fall I’ll b...
05/26/2026

SYA summer staff intros! Meet Lucy:

Hey! My name is Lucy and I just graduated from at AC/GC high school. This fall I’ll be attending Simpson College to major in religious studies and minor in theology. I’m excited to be joining you all as a first year mentor this summer!

SYA would like to say a huge thank you to Traci, who will be rolling off of our Advisory Team. Traci, thank you for the ...
05/21/2026

SYA would like to say a huge thank you to Traci, who will be rolling off of our Advisory Team. Traci, thank you for the dedication, creativity, and generosity you brought to SYA's young leaders over the years. We are so graetful for you!!

Mentor Monday! Meet SYA suimmer staff member Alexa:Hi! My name is Alexa, and I was a scholar in the summer of 2024. I’ll...
05/18/2026

Mentor Monday! Meet SYA suimmer staff member Alexa:

Hi! My name is Alexa, and I was a scholar in the summer of 2024. I’ll graduate from Valley High School in May and will be studying sports management at the University of Iowa in the fall! This is my first year as a mentor, and I’m so excited to be back with SYA!

Year-end hike with SYA's Food & Faith cohort!
05/15/2026

Year-end hike with SYA's Food & Faith cohort!

Hello SYA alumni & current + former staff! SYA will be hosting a casual reunion lunch during the Iowa Conference of The ...
05/13/2026

Hello SYA alumni & current + former staff! SYA will be hosting a casual reunion lunch during the Iowa Conference of The United Methodist Church Annual Conference. We'll meet at Grimaldi's in West DM on Friday, June 12 at noon. Come grab a slice of pizza and catch up with the community!

RSVP to Eric by June 5.

Mentor Monday! Meet our summer staff Mentor Edie: My name is Edie and am a freshman at Drake University studying Psychol...
05/11/2026

Mentor Monday! Meet our summer staff Mentor Edie:

My name is Edie and am a freshman at Drake University studying Psychology and Vocal Music. I love coffee, taking care of my plants, and hammocking! I was a scholar in 2023 and this will be my third year as a mentor. I’m so excited to meet you all!

Mentor Monday! Meet summer staff member William!I'm William, a Sophomore studying Data Science and Theatre at Cornell Co...
04/20/2026

Mentor Monday! Meet summer staff member William!

I'm William, a Sophomore studying Data Science and Theatre at Cornell College in Iowa. I love Music, Theatre, and Nature. This will be my Fourth year of involvement with SYA, I have been a student, Alumni, and this is my second year as a mentor. I am excited to meet a new group of scholars and help them grow as others have done for me!

04/15/2026

Check out the SYA graduation video celebrating our 2025-2026 participants! Thank you to the MANY people & churches who nurtures these young leaders!!

Address

701 North C Street
Indianola, IA
50125

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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