KU GEAR UP KCK

This week, GEAR UP KCK and KCMO students kicked off summer camp at the DistrKCt Multimedia Center!

Students learned about STEM, podcasting, music recording, graphic design, content creation, and more through hands-on activities that encouraged creativity, collaboration, and problem solving.

by giving students opportunities to explore their interests, gain new skills, and prepare for future careers.

GEAR UP KCK families spent day two of their Family College Visit weekend at University of Nebraska Omaha, where they got to see different parts of campus while learning more about college life and student resources. 🎓

by helping students and families become more comfortable in a college environment while learning about future opportunities.

GEAR UP KCK and KCMO families kicked off their Family College Visit weekend with a visit to Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, where they learned about careers connected to animal care, veterinary science, and wildlife education. 🦁🐘

by helping students and families discover future career opportunities connected to their interests and experiences outside the classroom.

GEAR UP KCK and KCMO families came together for the Families Thriving Graduation Ceremony to celebrate the growth, achievements, and connections built throughout the program. Families reflected on their experiences, celebrated milestones, and looked ahead to the future together.

🎉 Families celebrated their accomplishments and contributions throughout the Families Thriving program while reflecting on the impact the sessions had on their families and students.

🌟 Families discussed ways to continue supporting student success at home while building stronger relationships with schools and communities.

💌 Families also participated in a “Postcard to the Future” activity, reflecting on goals, growth, and what they hope to be proud of in the months ahead.

by creating opportunities for families to grow together, celebrate achievements, and continue building strong pathways toward student success and future goals.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all the teachers and educators who inspire, encourage, and support students each day. Thank you for the countless hours, dedication, and care you pour into helping students grow both inside and outside the classroom.

because of teachers who make a lasting impact on the lives of students and families.

GEAR UP KCK and KCMO families came together for the final Families Thriving session before graduation, focusing on supporting student academic success and exploring postsecondary pathways.

📊 Families discussed what academic success looks like while creating plans and setting goals to support student growth.

🎓 They learned about different postsecondary pathways available after high school, including community college, universities, career and technical programs, and workforce opportunities, while gaining the tools and resources to guide their students in making informed decisions about their future.

🤝 Through reflection and conversation, families discovered new strategies to support their students by building plans and having open discussions about goals, interests, and next steps.

by equipping families with the support and resources to help students succeed in school and build clear pathways after high school.

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
Kansas City Public Schools

During our recent Saturday Academy, students participated in a Leadership Conference led by Zion Leadership Group, where KCK and KCMO students learned what it means to be a leader. Through hands-on activities focused on communication and collaboration, students practiced leadership skills and worked together to complete team-based challenges.

After learning key components of leadership, students put their skills into action by creating short films. They stepped into roles such as producers, actors, editors, and directors, applying creativity, problem solving, and teamwork in a fun and engaging way.

At the same time, teachers participated in a professional development session centered on microcontrollers and preparing STEM Scholar activities for summer school.

by helping students build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop future leaders.

Last week, GEAR UP KCK and KCMO families came together for Session Six of Families Thriving, focusing on mental health during adolescence and how families can support student well-being.

🤝 Families created an open and supportive space to have conversations about mental health and the challenges adolescents may face.

🧠 They learned about the importance of prioritizing mental health, reflected on common experiences among students, and discussed ways to reduce stigmas surrounding mental health.

🌱 Together, families identified strategies to support students by building strong connections, promoting physical activity, and creating safe and positive environments at home and in their communities.

by supporting families in promoting mental health during adolescence and helping students feel seen, supported, and connected.

Kansas City, Kansas Public Schools
Kansas City Public Schools
NCCEP