Skilled KC Technical Institute
Skilled KC Technical Institute, a technical training pilot program offering short-term, industry-aligned programs in high-demand fields, began its incubation at the Kauffman Foundation in 2019. The first classes began in 2020 with a focus on students who were interested in an alternative to traditional four-year degrees to start or advance their careers.
In 2022, having weathered the trials of the COVID-19 pandemic, Skilled KC ceased operations as the Foundation and other stakeholders exercised due diligence and analysis of the pilot’s two years. In that time, the need for workforce credentialing continued, but new opportunities emerged. KC Scholars, a community-driven college access and completion organization incubated at the Foundation, evolved into Great Jobs KC, adding a tuition-free skills training program, life skills workshops, and Kansas City job assistance. In addition, Real World Learning, an operating program of the Foundation, scaled to work alongside 34 school districts in the six-county Kansas City metro area to ensure all high school students graduate with industry valued experiences, including earning industry credentials.
ProX
The ProX pilot launched in 2022 with a coalition of 14 local community organizations committed to create a shared front door for summer internships and client-connected work experiences. With key support and funding from the DeBruce Foundation and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, ProX is an established 501(c)(3) providing paid, accessible, meaningful work experiences for thousands of Kansas City high school students. ProX provides professional development, coaching, and wrap around support for students and employers resulting in 2,708 completed internships; 131 high schools represented; 278 employers; and $3,522,250 in total intern stipend investment since its inception.