Center and Hickman Mills School Districts

NNSA funding is also expanding FIRST and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) programs in Center and Hickman Mills school districts. Through KC STEM Alliance, KCNSC employees will engage in classrooms this spring, connecting students with real-world STEM applications.

“The ongoing partnership with KCNSC and the opportunity to collaborate with NNSA on our local STEM Pipeline Development project are making a significant impact on STEM in the community,” said KC STEM Alliance’s Executive Director Chelsea Barbercheck, Ph.D. “Together, we are equipping schools with essential tools and resources, while also supporting Kansas City teachers and students in their STEM journey.”

PLTW provides project-based learning in engineering, biomedical science, and computer science for all ages of students in the classroom. FIRST Robotics offers after school programming which fosters STEM skills, leadership and communication.

South Kansas City Pipeline Development

PREP-KC, a KCNSC partner, is piloting an initiative in Grandview, Center, and Hickman Mills to help students earn dual credits and receive post-secondary STEM support. NNSA funding is also providing scholarships for students pursuing careers in advanced manufacturing.

“Thanks to the funding provided by the NNSA, we’re able to help more students earn credentials that will help them jumpstart careers in advanced manufacturing during high school and, for the first time, provide scholarships for students seeking to pursue postsecondary education in manufacturing and related pathways,” said PREP-KC Vice President Doug Elmer.

Since the program’s launch, more than 90 students have prepared for the OSHA-10 certification, and instructors will soon earn their own OSHA training certifications to expand student opportunities. Additionally, graduates will be able to gain financial assistance as they continue their manufacturing pathway.

Manufacturing Skills Development

Beyond technical skills, students need workforce readiness training. Great Jobs KC, a nonprofit offering tuition-free job training, helps students develop communication, time management and financial skills.

“We believe everyone in our community deserves the opportunity to secure a household-sustaining career through job training,” said Great Jobs KC’s Director of Education Partnerships George Hudson. “These funds are allowing us to reach high school students before they enter the workforce and provide for them a path forward to a successful career in manufacturing.”

Great Jobs KC heads into the classroom to train students 
on job intricacies like communication, change, time and money management skills Graduating students can connect with employers and enter Great Jobs KC’s training program, leading to manufacturing careers with salaries of at least $45,000 per year.

Grandview High School Advanced Manufacturing Pathway

Since launching its Advanced Manufacturing Pathway in 2021, Grandview High School identified additional needs to enhance student success in the workforce or higher education.

NNSA funding enabled the creation of a Computer Integrated Manufacturing lab, installation of four new mills, welding equipment and booth, an updated electrical and exhaust system, and supported the relocation and modernization of its current equipment. The KCNSC also completed the transformation with an environmental redesign to welcome students.

“The support from KCNSC and the NNSA is more than just an investment in equipment; it’s an investment in the future of our students and community,” said Grandview Director of Instructional Technology Jeramie Davis. “By providing advanced equipment and invaluable guidance and mentorship, KCNSC is fostering innovation and empowering the next generation to lead in the field of advanced manufacturing.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony in September 2024 marked the lab’s completion, attended by representatives from NNSA, Honeywell Federal Solutions, KCNSC, and the Grandview School District.

“KCNSC has been an outstanding partner in establishing a program that allows students to explore skilled trades, gain hands-on experience and learn about the dynamic field of manufacturing,” said Grandview Advanced Manufacturing Instructor Adam Burns. “They have helped to empower our students to build themselves a future in manufacturing.”