Al Éxito (Iowa)

What Al Éxito (Iowa) does

Al Éxito is a Des Moines, Iowa-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2006-2007 that operates the only statewide program in Iowa dedicated to advancing the educational achievement and leadership capacity of Latinx youth. Originally initiated as Latinas Al Éxito (LAÉ) by the AAUW-Iowa Diversity and Equity Committee, the organization rebranded to Al Éxito in 2013 when it hired its first Executive Director and expanded from a Marshalltown volunteer initiative into a professionally staffed statewide nonprofit. It serves approximately 800 middle school, high school, and college-aged students annually across 18 Iowa communities, with all programs provided free of charge to participants.

The organization delivers its services through a contracted facilitator model, embedding weekly after-school programming directly into partner school district sites (Des Moines Public Schools, Marshalltown, Ottumwa, South Tama, Hampton-Dumont, Clarion-Goldfield Dows, Perry, and West Liberty) and supplementing with a portfolio of six sub-programs: Movimiento Al Éxito (high school leadership and college prep), RICA (LGBTQ+ Latinx student support), drēm|sēd (youth-led Latino philanthropy social enterprise), PAPAYA (STEM and youth participatory action research summer program with Iowa State University's Science Bound), Al Éxito University (residential college-prep camp), and the Mary E. Campos Scholarship. It also runs Padres Unidos for Spanish-speaking families and a Youth Mental Health Taskforce that has produced statewide recommendations for the Iowa Department of Education. Supporting ecosystem partners include Iowa State University, Indian Hills Community College, and nine other Iowa colleges, plus Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa Legal Aid, and the Refugee Alliance of Central Iowa.

Al Éxito operates as a donation-funded nonprofit with no product revenue, using individual donations (suggested tiers of $50, $150, $1,500), corporate sponsorships in tiered structures (Platino, Oro, Plata, Bronce, Amigos), foundation grants (including United Way affiliates), and dedicated scholarship contributions. Major financial partners include MIHF, United Way of North Central Iowa, Alliant Energy, Wells Fargo, Veridian Credit Union, Corteva Agriscience, and Allegiant. The technology footprint is minimal — a Wix-hosted marketing website, Google Forms for applications, and video conferencing for remote engagement — reflecting a human-facilitated community service delivery model rather than a technology platform business.

Name

Al Éxito (Iowa)

Legal name

Al Éxito

Website

https://alexitoiowa.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2006

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Al Éxito is a Des Moines-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Latinx middle school through college students across 18 Iowa communities with free culturally relevant leadership development, college preparation, and family engagement programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Youth Development Nonprofit Services

NAICS

Educational Services (611), Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Dropout Prevention, Alternative Education & Re-Engagement Nonprofits (BPAGADAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

College & Career Transition Services (Bridge Programs, Dual Enrollment Pathways) (EDAAABAK), Family & School System Navigation (Parent Engagement, Youth Services) (EDAAADAH)

Keywords

• Youth development programs
• College preparation services
• After-school programming
• Latinx student support
• Community-based education

Headquarters

HQ city

Des Moines

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: The organization accepts tax-deductible donations from individuals. Suggested donation amounts of $50, $150, or $1,500 are promoted, with $150 cited as the cost to provide programming for one student per year.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses interested in supporting Al Éxito's mission. Sponsors can contact the organization directly for opportunities.
3. Foundation and Grant Funding: Al Éxito receives support from foundations including MIHF, United Way of North Central Iowa, and various corporate donors organized in tiers (Platino, Oro, Plata, Bronce, Amigos).
4. Mary E. Campos Scholarship Fund: Dedicated scholarship fund accepting donations to support Latinx youth scholarships. Named after Mary E. Campos, civil rights leader and founder.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Al Éxito provides free after-school, summer, family, and scholarship programs that advance the educational achievement and leadership capacity of Latinx youth in Iowa. Programs are delivered by contracted facilitators at partner middle and high schools in 18 Iowa communities and through college campus experiences, college coaching, and statewide online support. All programs are provided at no cost to student participants and are funded through donations, corporate sponsorships, and foundation/grant support.

Product overview

Al Éxito is a nonprofit youth development organization offering a portfolio of interconnected programs serving Latinx youth from 6th grade through college. The core offerings include Middle School After-School Programs and Movimiento Al Éxito (high school leadership program), which provide weekly culturally-relevant programming. Supporting programs include R.I.C.A. (LGBTQ+ support), drēm|sēd (youth entrepreneurship), PAPAYA (STEM summer program), Al Éxito University (residential college prep camp), the Mary E. Campos Scholarship, and Padres Unidos (family engagement). All programs provide college campus trips and are free for participants.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Movimiento Al Éxito: High School Program providing intensive weekly afterschool leadership, college preparatory, academic achievement, and civic engagement program.
• Al Éxito University
• R.I.C.A. (Resilient Identity Community Alliance)
• drēm|sēd
• PAPAYA (Power and Perception and Youth Action)
• Mary E. Campos Scholarship

Products and services

• Al Éxito Middle School After-School Programs Weekly after-school programs providing a culturally relevant, asset-based curriculum that preserves and celebrates cultural values while promoting leadership and academic achievement in a safe environment for middle school students. Delivered by contracted facilitators at school sites across 18 Iowa communities.
• Movimiento Al Éxito High school program providing intensive weekly afterschool leadership, college preparatory, academic achievement, and civic engagement programming that interweaves research/data analysis, leadership through civic engagement, and youth-led action.
• R.I.C.A. (Resilient Identity Community Alliance) Program providing additional support for LGBTQ+ Latinx students and their families, including access to resources, empowered relationships, and mentorship specific to their needs. All students are welcomed at R.I.C.A.
• drēm|sēd Youth-led business that partners with Spanish-speaking businesses to promote Latino philanthropy and community support. Students gain valuable entrepreneurial skills and career development; all proceeds support the program.
• PAPAYA (Power and Perception and Youth Action) Summer program for high school students focusing on ASTEM areas and youth participatory action research (YPAR). Partnership between Al Éxito and the Science Bound scholarship program at Iowa State University.
• Al Éxito University Intensive residential preparatory camp for Latinx students entering 9th grade through graduating seniors. The program aims to nourish college aspirations, start college plans, and provide experiences to develop skills necessary for postsecondary education success.
• Mary E. Campos Scholarship Program Scholarship program honoring Mary E. Campos' principles for active community leadership, civic engagement, volunteerism, and empowering the Latino community. Awarded to Al Éxito students engaged in their community with a clear vision for academic achievement.
• Seniors Program (Exclusive Online Statewide) Online program for high school seniors providing 1-on-1 college help, weekly scholarship updates, college resources, and FAFSA assistance, delivered statewide via online registration.
• Padres Unidos Parent programs developed to better inform and equip Spanish-speaking partners for helping their students succeed in school.
• Youth Mental Health Taskforce Initiative conducting statewide studies of Latinx youth mental health and creating recommendations for the Iowa Department of Education and local school districts to improve Latinx youth mental health.

Quantifiable outcome

• 800 students served annually
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

27 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Iowa State University / Science BoundcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerScience Bound scholarship program at Iowa State University partners with Al Éxito on the PAPAYA (Power and Perception and Youth Action) summer program focusing on STEM areas and youth participatory action research. Iowa State also hosts Al Éxito University camps and has an Al Éxito collegiate club.
• Des Moines Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary partner school district hosting multiple Al Éxito program sites including Callanan Middle School, Goodrell Middle School, Harding Middle School, Hiatt Middle School, McCombs Middle School, Meredith Middle School, Weeks Middle School, Movimiento DSM at Hoover and Lincoln, and East High School.
• Marshalltown Community School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner district hosting Marshalltown Middle School, Marshalltown High School, and Marshallton MUJERES program site.
• Ottumwa School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner district hosting Ottumwa Middle School and Ottumwa High School program sites.
• South Tama County Community School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner district hosting South Tama Middle School and South Tama High School program sites.
• Hampton-Dumont Community SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner district hosting Hampton-Dumont Middle School and Hampton-Dumont High School program sites.
• Clarion-Goldfield Dows School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner district hosting program site.
• Perry Community School DistrictcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner district hosting Perry Middle School program site.
• West Liberty Middle SchoolcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner school hosting program site.
• Indian Hills Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner community college collaborating on college visits and pathway programs.
• drēmsedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYouth-led business created by Movimiento Al Éxito students that partners with Spanish-speaking businesses to promote Latino philanthropy. Students gain entrepreneurial skills and career development; all proceeds support the program.
• Central CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner college providing college access opportunities.
• Des Moines Area Community CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing pathway opportunities.
• Des Moines UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing college exposure opportunities.
• Drake UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing college exposure opportunities.
• Grand View UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing college exposure opportunities.
• Mercy CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing college exposure opportunities.
• Simpson CollegeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing college exposure opportunities.
• University of Northern IowaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing college exposure opportunities.
• EMBARCminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner organization.
• Art Force IowaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing art programming.
• Gear UPminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal TRIO program partner.
• Iowa Workforce DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner providing workforce resources for families.
• Iowa Economic DevelopmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partner providing small business support resources.
• Iowa Legal AidminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing legal resources for families.
• United Way of Central Iowa Hotline 2-1-1minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing COVID-19 hotline information.
• Refugee Alliance of Central IowaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner providing Spanish-language resources.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• iMentor: Nonprofit pairing underserved students with college mentors and providing structured college prep. Directly comparable mentoring-and-college-readiness model for first-generation students, though technology-enabled and not Latinx-specific.
• College Success Foundation: Nonprofit that provides college preparation, mentoring, and scholarships to underserved students including Latinx and first-generation youth. Highly comparable program model — culturally relevant college readiness, family engagement, and scholarship support — though operating primarily in Washington state.

Others

• QuestBridge: National nonprofit connecting high-achieving low-income students (many Latinx) with elite colleges and scholarships. Comparable in its scholarship and college-access outcomes pipeline, evidenced by Al Éxito alumni receiving QuestBridge scholarships, though operating as a national platform rather than a community-grounded nonprofit.
• National College Attainment Network (NCAN): National membership and advocacy organization supporting college access programs serving low-income and first-generation students, including Latinx populations. Functions as an ecosystem enabler and capacity-builder for organizations like Al Éxito rather than a direct program provider.

Broad incumbents

• UnidosUS: The largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization in the U.S., with an education-focused arm that runs college readiness and youth leadership programs for Latinx students — directly comparable mission to Al Éxito but operating nationally rather than at the statewide level.
• League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC): Oldest and largest Latino civil rights organization in the U.S., operating youth education, leadership, and scholarship programs comparable to Al Éxito's mission, though with a broader advocacy and policy agenda.
• Hispanic Scholarship Fund: National nonprofit providing scholarships, college prep, and career support to Latinx students. Comparable in its Latinx college-access focus and scholarship programs (Mary E. Campos Scholarship), but operating at national scale rather than Iowa-specific community delivery.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of America: Large established youth-development nonprofit with after-school programming at school and community sites. Overlaps with Al Éxito's school-based after-school delivery model, but is a broad incumbent serving all youth rather than specializing in Latinx identity or college access.

Regional players

• Latino Community Fund of Washington: State/region-based nonprofit supporting Latino families and youth through education, leadership, and civic engagement programs — analogous regional model to Al Éxito, though serving a different state.

Emerging players

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of America: Mentoring-based youth development nonprofit serving at-risk youth with college and career programming. Comparable youth-development and college-access mission, though mentoring-driven rather than direct classroom-style cultural programming.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/AlExitoIowa
• Instagraminstagram.com/alexitoiowa
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alexitoiowa

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Al Éxito (Iowa)