Welcome to The Become Here Project: A Des Moines Public Schools Podcast. Tune in here for the latest and greatest stories and conversations regarding the largest provider of public education in Iowa. Our diverse community consists of more than 30,000 students and nearly 5,000 teachers and staff working in more than 60 schools in Iowa's capital city.
Thank you for your interest in DMPS, an enriched school district that’s proud of its past and prepared for the future.
Graduation season is always a time of reflection, pride, and hope for what’s ahead. No moment captures that more than the words shared by our student commencement speakers.
In this special episode, we’re bringing you the voices of the Class of 2026. You’ll hear speeches from the graduating seniors of East, Hoover, Lincoln, North, and Roosevelt high schools -- students who represent the heart, determination, and diversity of our district.
Let’s celebrate the Class of 2026.
Watch the full graduations here (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSdGpyB-LdNkKTGJ2jQC4s9aAvb8j2Wkf) and watch DMPS graduation higlights here (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLSdGpyB-LdNkk_Kw9TtBiXp3meXeeFC3l).
Come Here. Become Here.
dmschools.org (https://www.dmschools.org/).
Follow DMPS:Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/desmoinespublicschools/), Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dmps), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DMschools), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/dmpstv).
Hosted by Amanda Lewis
Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV
31 Mar 2026
28. That's News to Me Crew
This special episode features award-winning Hiatt Middle School student podcasters of the That's News to Me Crew. Having won the District-wide Middle School Podcast Competition, teacher Tonya Richards and students Kenya De La Cruz Jimenez, Chemya McGee, and Jose Calderon Galvan speak with host Amanda Lewis about their experience producing a podcast.
Learn more about Reimagining Education here (https://reimagine.dmschools.org/).
Come Here. Become Here.
Follow DMPS: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/desmoinespublicschools/), Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dmps), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DMschools), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/dmpstv).
Hosted by Amanda Lewis
Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV
19 Feb 2026
27. 2026 DMPS State of the Schools
Welcome to The Become Here Project: A Des Moines Public Schools podcast. This episode is live in front of a studio audience at the Central Campus auditorium for the 2026 State of the Schools event.
Amanda Lewis' student co-host is Irene Alobo of North High School and Central Campus. Guests joining the Reimagining Education discussion are: Des Moines Mayor Connie Boesen, DMPS Interim Superintendent Matt Smith, Reimagining Education Project Manager Dr. Bekah Harris, and By Degrees CEO Emily Westergaard.
Learn more about Reimagining Education here (https://reimagine.dmschools.org/).
Come Here. Become Here.
Follow DMPS: Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/desmoinespublicschools/), Flickr (https://www.flickr.com/photos/dmps), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/DMschools), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/dmpstv).
Hosted by Amanda Lewis
Produced by Kyle Knicley, DMPS-TV
Who has been a guest on The Become Here Project
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr Robert Lundin
Graduating seniors from East Hoover Lincoln North and Roosevelt high schools
Jenna Knox
Jazlyn Fitz
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,430,412
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 49 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
39
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
60
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