For 20 years, students from under-resourced communities in the Kansas City metro have been given a chance to better their educational outcome thanks to the support of the Kauffman Scholars program.
The flexibility of the program allowed Kauffman Scholars to seek opportunities other than a traditional four-year degree, including certificate programs, military and law enforcement.
"The program was impactful in connecting them to various resources throughout the community, helping them build that capital to be able to navigate, to understand what jobs and opportunities were needed and necessary," said DeAngela Burns-Wallace, CEO and president of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
The final cohort of Kauffman Scholars graduated in 2023. In total, 2,568 student scholars and their families received mentorship, training and financial support through the program.
Burns-Wallace said the work to support Kansas City-area residents will continue through KC Scholars and Great Jobs KC.
- DeAngela Burns-Wallace, CEO and president, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
