PREP-KC

We’re incredibly grateful to the volunteers who made our final Career Jumping experience of the school year at Gloria Willis Middle School so impactful.

By sharing your career journeys and taking time to answer students’ questions, you helped open doors, spark curiosity, and build confidence in the next generation.

Our students said it best:

“It showed me how wonderful it is with different jobs.”
“I want go to college.”
“I learned that you can do anything.”
“This experience gave me more confidence.”
“I learned that it isn’t about the money that you make, but about the other things in your job.”

Your stories matter—and they are making a difference. Thank you for inspiring our students to dream bigger and think boldly about their futures. 💙

Yesterday, PREP-KC received the Excellence in Impact Award from Nonprofit Connect.

Receiving this award alongside some of Kansas City's most accomplished nonprofit and community leaders, one thing was clear.

We couldn't do this without you.

Thank you to our partners, industry professionals, and funders for helping ignite potential for students attending the region's urban schools.

Because of this community:
• 74% of PREP-KC partner graduates now earn a Market Value Asset
• 11,600+ students have gained real-world learning experiences
• 1,100+ industry professionals connect students to careers each year

We are proud to do this work alongside you, and we are just getting started!

Learn more or get involved: https://lnkd.in/gkrSHtGB.

A big thank you to our incredible volunteers for spending time with 3rd–5th grade students at Hickman Mills C-1 School District, Kansas City Mo. at Dobbs and Warford Elementary!

By sharing your career journeys, you sparked curiosity and helped students see what’s possible for their futures. Early exposure to careers is so important—it builds confidence, broadens awareness, and helps students connect their interests to real-world opportunities.

Students left inspired, sharing things like:
✨ “I liked when the pilot talked about the inside of the plane.”
✨ “I liked the presenter who spoke about being a teacher because I might want to be a teacher when I grow up.”
✨ “I liked the fun and the learning that comes out of the jobs.”
✨ “I liked all of them because they came in with confidence and great enthusiasm.”

Thank you for making a lasting impact and helping students start dreaming big at an early age! 🌟

We’re incredibly grateful to the employers and community colleges who partnered with us to inspire the next generation!

Thank you for joining us at Hickman Mills C-1 School District, Kansas City Mo. , Center School District , Grandview C-4 School District, and Allen Village High Schools to connect with juniors and seniors and share valuable opportunities for life after graduation. Your time and insight helped students explore high-quality career pathways that don’t require a traditional four-year degree—and opened doors to bright, meaningful futures.

We appreciate your commitment to supporting students and strengthening our community’s workforce! 🌟

Huge THANK YOU to our incredible volunteers who brought careers to life for 6th graders at Arrowhead Middle in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools! 🎉

Because of you, students didn’t just hear about jobs—they *experienced possibilities*. From discovering the difference between an EMT and a paramedic to realizing that communication and math matter in almost every career, you helped expand what students believe is possible for their futures.

Here’s what they’re saying:
✨ “I love this, it was actually fun doing it! Thank you!”
✨ “It made me realize that you don’t always have to stick to the same job.”
✨ “I think I will change which career I want.”
✨ “Today showed me that even if you don’t like school, there are jobs that are still good for you.”

Students are now dreaming bigger—imagining futures as astronauts, athletes, Coast Guard members, and more.

That’s the power of showing up and sharing your story.

Thank you for inspiring curiosity, confidence, and possibility in the next generation. 💙

We’re so grateful to the incredible volunteers who showed up for Career Jumping at Guadalupe Centers Middle School. Your time, insight, and encouragement made a lasting impact on students as they explored their futures.

Here’s what students had to say:

💬 “I learned that you need to have a job that you feel happy with.”

💬 “Thank you for taking the time to provide important information and positives about careers.”

💬 “I learned to start early and start thinking about my career.”

💬 “You can do whatever you want if you work for it.”

💬 “You have to study hard to do whatever you want.”

💬 “I got advice, and it changed my thoughts on my future, which is good.”

💬 “I learned about how many jobs there are and to choose from.”

💬 “I learned that with persistence you're capable of achieving anything.”

Because of you, students are thinking bigger, planning earlier, and believing more in what’s possible.

We have more events in need of volunteers, please see what we have coming up next: https://prepkc.org/

🎉 Exciting news for PREP-KC!

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Dr. Candace Villanueva Greer to Director of College and Career Experiences.

Since joining PREP-KC in 2016, Candace has made vital contributions to our work on behalf of students, educators, and volunteers, including:

• Expanding College & Career Experiences for elementary and middle school students
• Launching our volunteer advisory committee
• Piloting dual-language experiences for English language learners

Candace’s leadership exemplifies the power of partnership and collaboration in creating meaningful pathways for students attending the region’s urban schools. We can’t wait to see her continue to shape the future of PREP-KC!

Seventeen years full of passion, creativity, and dedication to making a difference!

A huge thank you to our incredible volunteers for sharing their career journeys with the 6th graders at Carl Bruce Middle School in Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools!

From health and higher education to engineering, finance, performing arts, and beyond, students had the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths and hear real-world experiences firsthand.

We’re especially grateful to the teachers who brought their own connections into Career Jumping, making this experience even more meaningful for their students.

Your time, stories, and passion are helping students imagine what’s possible for their futures—and that makes a lasting impact. Thank you for inspiring the next generation! 🌟

✨ Bright Futures Ahead ✨

Every opportunity today builds a stronger tomorrow.

When our community shows up, students move forward—toward college, careers, and limitless possibilities. Your time, your experience, and your voice can make a lasting impact.

Ready to help shape what’s ahead?
Explore our upcoming volunteer opportunities and sign up today.

🔗https://mailchi.mp/prepkc.org/launch-back-to-school-with-prep-kc-10987051