Who We Are

KC STEM Alliance is a not-for-profit collaborative network of educators, businesses and related organizations working to inspire interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math with the mission of generating a robust workforce of related professionals for the greater Kansas City region.

Meet the KC STEM Alliance

Our History and Vision

KC STEM Alliance was created in 2011 through a generous $3.2 million gift from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Our vision is to:

Create a shared services model for two nationally acclaimed STEM programs—Project Lead The Way and FIRST—by assisting with data collection, program evaluation and facilitating school and industry partnerships

Support a solid foundation of STEM education for all students, regardless of race, gender or economic status

Increase the quality, quantity and diversity of job-ready candidates for local STEM employers Advance economic development and progress in our community

Advance economic development and progress in our community

Our Team

Dr. Chelsea BarbercheckExecutive Director
Christina ChandlerDiversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist and FIRST LEGO League Program Partner
Bob CranceKC FIRST Senior Mentor
Robert DumlerFIRST Robotics Competition Regional Director
Andrea EllisSTEM Learning Ecosystem Consultant
Teri KriegeDirector of Operations
Marian McClellanGirls in STEM Program Coordinator
Phil WoodFIRST Tech Challenge Coordinator
Callen ZindCommunications Manager

Our Co-Working Partners

These fellow STEM-related organizations are co-located with KC STEM Alliance at 4825 Troost Ave., allowing for easy collaboration.

WeCode KC

Our Connections

Members of our advisory board help set the strategic direction for KC STEM Alliance.

Krystal AndersonOracle | Cerner
Katie BennewitzSS&C Technologies
Jessica DainPiper School District
Dennise DayUnion Station/Science City
Crystal FarisKansas City Public Library
Lynette HuscherGarmin
Julee KoncakBurns & McDonnell
Larry LeeBlack & Veatch
Michelle McConnellEvergy, Inc.
Rachel MerloGoogle Fiber
Tim MoormeierUS Engineering
Melissa NorwoodFederal Reserve Bank Kansas City
Martin PickneyMissouri S&T
Kenny RodrequezGrandview C-4 School District
Robin StubenhoferHoneywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC
Leigh Anne Taylor KnightThe DeBruce Foundation
Kevin Z. TrumanUniversity of Missouri-Kansas City
John VaughnMember at Large

These organizations and corporations sustain the mission of KC STEM Alliance through financial support. See our full list of supporting organizations.