KC STEM Alliance was built to connect the many STEM education and workforce initiatives in our community. The alliance supports leading in-school and out-of-school STEM programs, increases access to STEM activities in underserved communities and invites community collaboration by leading regional STEM initiatives.
Community Collaboration
Kansas City’s STEM Learning Ecosystem
Since it began in 2011, KC STEM Alliance has grown into a nationally recognized model for supporting K-12 STEM education and developing innovative ways to collaborate across sectors. In 2015, the alliance formalized partnerships with other Kansas City organizations and was recognized as a STEM Learning Ecosystem by the STEM Funders Network. The STEM Ecosystems initiative is a national effort to engage young people in STEM through strong interconnected community networks. Kansas City’s growing STEM Learning Ecosystem is working together to ensure access and equity to quality STEM experiences for all. Learn more.
Increasing STEM Access
KC Engineering Zone (KC EZ)
KC EZ is a safe and supportive work and learning space where Kansas City’s K-12 urban students can acquire real-world knowledge, skills and experience. In partnership with UMKC School of Computing and Engineering, KC STEM Alliance opened the 4,200-foot space in 2015 with generous assistance from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and five major founding partners: US Engineering, NNSA, Honeywell, BNIM, JE Dunn and Mark One Electric. Learn more about KC EZ.
The Girls in STEM Initiative
KC STEM Alliance intentionally works to increase the participation of girls in science, technology, engineering and math through education and career exploration. Formal and informal activities include building mentoring relationships, supporting weekend workshops and summer camps, and opening doors to job shadows and internships. Learn more about this work. A new initiative to inspire interest specifically in the fields of technology and computer science launched in 2015. Learn more about the Girls in Tech KC movement.
In school: Project Lead The Way
KC STEM Alliance provides wrap-around support for the nationally recognized Project Lead The Way® STEM curriculum. With hands-on, project-based learning in the fields of engineering, biomedical science and computer science, Project Lead the Way turns classrooms into spaces where content comes to life. Learn more about KC STEM Alliance’s work with Project Lead The Way.
After school: KC FIRST Robotics
FIRST® Robotics
FIRST inspires innovation, builds STEM skills and fosters self-confidence, communication and leadership. KC STEM Alliance staff serve as regional partners and program support for this nationally renowned robotics program, which includes a full suite of mentor-based, after school programs starting with Jr. FIRST LEGO League and building to the high school level FIRST Robotics Competition. Learn more about KC FIRST.
