Our Mission:
ACCESS.
We give underserved students the tools to break the cycle of poverty and become innovators in the fields of engineering, science, technology, arts and mathematics.
We give underserved students the tools to break the cycle of poverty and become innovators in the fields of engineering, science, technology, arts and mathematics.
KC URBAN ADVANTAGE is a standards and research-based collaboration between underserved schools and youth, the Museum at Prairiefire and partnering Kansas City metro cultural and learning institutions such as museums, science centers, cultural organizations and zoos.
1. High-quality professional development for teachers and administrators
2. Classroom materials and equipment that promote scientific inquiry and authentic investigations
3. Access to Urban Advantage Partner institutions through free school and family field trips
4. Outreach through family events, celebrations of student achievement, and parent coordinator workshops
5. Capacity-building and sustainability structures, including a network of demonstration schools and support for the development of lead teachers
6. Assessment of program goals, student learning, systems of delivery, and outcomes
J.A. Rogers Elementary KCMO
Phillis Wheatley Elementary KCMO
Troost Elementary KCMO
Wendell Phillips Elementary KCMO
Quindaro Elementary KCK
Welborn Elementary KCK
Ridgeview Elementary Olathe
Apache Innovation School SMSD
Kids TLC Olathe
Mark Twain Elementary KCK
Over 7,000 underserved students from 10 schools and 4 Out of School institutions participated between 2016-2021
KC Urban Advantage hosts ALL GRADE LEVELS from each participating school
KC Urban Advantage also reaches under-served children and their supporters through partner institutions such as:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Kansas City
Operation Breakthrough
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Children’s Mercy Hospital
5 YEAR GOAL: Provide access for all under-served schools in the KC Metro, along with their students, educators, families and care givers
Kansas City Urban Advantage (KCUA) was founded to address the educational divide by providing quality, standards-based STEM learning experiences to Kansas City’s most under-served elementary schools. Kansas City benefits from a vibrant STEM economy, however many students lack access to the quality STEM learning experiences necessary to prepare them to participate in the rapidly expanding STEM workforce. For example, less than a quarter of KCMO 5th graders scored proficient or higher in science or mathematics in 2017.
The need for more STEM-related education in American schools has been recognized for some time. According to the U.S. Department of Education, “In a world where success is driven not only by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know, it’s more important than ever for our youth to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information… Yet today, few American students pursue expertise in STEM fields—and we have an inadequate pipeline of teachers skilled in those subjects.”
Unfortunately, many schools don’t have the resources to bolster STEM education. When education budgets are cut, teachers look for outside resources to help provide the learning opportunities that will not only support their students’ academic achievement, but also prepare them to participate and thrive in the 21st century economy2. This challenge is particularly exacerbated by the inequity of STEM resources in schools serving students of poverty. A recent study found students of high poverty schools are least likely to have access to STEM resources and experiences throughout K-12, with the greatest disparities in elementary education.
- Kailash Satyarthi
The KC Urban Advantage Education Team is funded by the Museum of Prairiefire (MAP) Foundation. Our Education Team provides STEAM and Project Based Learning expertise and facilitated educator support for all programs including Project Lead the Way and KC Urban Advantage.
KC Urban Advantage school trips and educational programs support Next Generation Science Standards, Common Core, and Show-Me State Standards.
Cross-curricular resources are available for all current and upcoming exhibitions as well as the Discovery Room and Great Hall. Additional KCUA educational opportunities and resources are available with our partner institutions.
Click below to download the KC Urban Advantage School Application.