The Marshalltown Community School District (MCSD), in partnership with the Arts + Culture Alliance, is excited to announce the launch of Bobcat Boutique. This new initiative, led by the Marshalltown High School Student Senate Members, will provide formal and professional attire at no cost to students, enabling them to participate in job interviews, school dances, and other formal events without the financial burden of purchasing expensive clothing.
The Bobcat Boutique is tied to the Arts and Culture Master Plan’s placemaking theme, "Elevate Youth," which focuses on bringing young people into leadership circles, valuing their voices, and equipping them with the tools and resources they need to fulfill their visions. The initiative allows students to take an active role in both the community and the boutique, empowering them to develop leadership skills while supporting their peers.
In the fall, Iowa artist Akwi Nji led a creative workshop with MHS Student Senate members to explore what Embrace the Lead meant to them. The result was the creation of Bobcat Boutique, an idea that will be sponsored by the Arts + Culture Alliance.
"We believe that engaging youth in the planning process creates a stronger, more vibrant community," said Amber Danielson, Executive Director of the Arts + Culture Alliance. "Bobcat Boutique exemplifies how youth-driven initiatives transform passive participation into active leadership. By providing students with the confidence and resources to succeed, we help them contribute to the greater good. We are proud to continue our partnership with the MCSD to elevate youth and support their innovative ideas."
Bobcat Boutique will allow students to select from a variety of formal clothing items, including shoes, dresses, dress pants, dress shirts, ties, bow ties, and accessories—all available for checkout free of charge. Once a student has attended an interview or formal event, they will return the items to the boutique. Personal shopping assistants will be available to guide students as they select the items that best meet their needs, ensuring that each student is fully prepared for their event.
This initiative seeks to ease the financial burden on families purchasing clothing for formal events or job interviews. By offering access to high-quality professional attire at no cost, the boutique levels the playing field, allowing all students to take advantage of these opportunities. The Boutique will offer hands-on learning opportunities for students involved in its operation, providing real-world experience in leadership and service.
"We are thrilled to see how our students are embracing Embrace the Lead and defining it through their own experiences and perspectives. Both the Marshalltown Community School District and the Arts + Culture Alliance are proud of this student-led initiative and the ways their skills and knowledge are being used to create a positive impact in our community,” shared Abby Koch, Director of Communications for Marshalltown Community School District. “Providing meaningful opportunities for our Marshalltown students is a shared priority for both organizations, and we are excited to once again partner with the Arts + Culture Alliance to support and elevate our Bobcat students' ideas."
The Bobcat Boutique is rooted in the Embrace the Lead philosophy, which encourages students to take charge of their community by identifying and responding to their peers' needs. The boutique will be largely student-led, with students handling everything from curating donated items to managing daily operations and even personal shoppers. This student-driven initiative fosters leadership, teamwork, and the value of service.
Through their involvement, students will gain real-world experience in entrepreneurship and leadership, preparing them to be the creative entrepreneurs of tomorrow. By participating in the boutique, students will learn that leadership is about making a positive impact on others and working together toward a common goal.
Bobcat Boutique is working toward a grand opening by the end of January, depending on the availability of clothing donations. To support the boutique, community members are encouraged to donate items by dropping them off at the MHS Main Office. For more information about Bobcat Boutique or how to get involved, please contact 641-754-1130.