Kansas City Kansas Community College (KCKCC) proudly announces its leadership role in the newly awarded Collective Impact Grant, a strategic initiative aimed at expanding entrepreneurship education across K-12, post-secondary institutions and community-based training programs in the Kansas City region.
As the consortium lead, KCKCC is spearheading this transformative effort in partnership with Babson College, the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC), Porter House KC, Toolbox KC, Kansas City Kansas Public Schools (KCKPS) and the Piper School District. The grant, funded by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, will develop a comprehensive educational framework designed to equip students and aspiring entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge and resources needed to drive innovation and economic growth.
“This initiative represents a monumental step toward fostering entrepreneurship education in our region,” said Dr. Fabiola Riobé, vice president of educational and global innovation at KCKCC. “By collaborating with our esteemed partners, we will bridge educational gaps, empower students and build a more resilient entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kansas City.”
The Kauffman Foundation is dedicated to fostering a society where individuals have the opportunity to achieve financial independence through education, employment and entrepreneurship. Its mission is to eliminate barriers that hinder economic success, particularly for historically underrepresented communities. This initiative aligns with the foundation’s commitment to ensuring that aspiring entrepreneurs receive equitable access to education and resources.
“These organizations are tackling deep, complex challenges in our community – work that requires trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to change,” said Dr. DeAngela Burns-Wallace, president and CEO of the Kaufman Foundation, of the grant recipients. “Real progress happens when organizations come together, align their efforts and build strong relationships. Our new Collective Impact funding pathway is designed to support coalitions in laying a strategic foundation that helps them move forward with purpose and create lasting change.”
The grant will fund curriculum development, training programs and hands-on entrepreneurial experiences, ensuring accessibility for students and community members alike. Additionally, a key component of the initiative includes community engagement sessions, a Program Demand Gap Analysis
To learn more about the Collective Impact Grant, please visit https://bit.ly/42cu3ux.
About KCKCC
Kansas City Kansas Community College is committed to providing high-quality education, workforce development, and community engagement to foster student success and regional economic growth.