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Who We Are

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KC STEM Alliance is a not-for-profit collaborative network of educators, businesses and related organizations working to inspire interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math with the mission of generating a robust workforce of related professionals for the greater Kansas City region.

Meet the KC STEM Alliance

Our History and Vision

KC STEM Alliance was created in 2011 through a generous $3.2 million gift from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Our vision is to:

Create a shared services model for two nationally acclaimed STEM programs—Project Lead The Way and FIRST—by assisting with data collection, program evaluation and facilitating school and industry partnerships

Support a solid foundation of STEM education for all students, regardless of race, gender or economic status

Increase the quality, quantity and diversity of job-ready candidates for local STEM employers Advance economic development and progress in our community

Advance economic development and progress in our community

Our Team

Dr. Chelsea Barbercheck Executive Director
Andrew Corrao STEM Outreach Specialist
Christina Chandler Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Specialist and FIRST LEGO League Program Partner
Bob Crance FIRST Robotics Competition Regional Director
Andrea Ellis STEM Learning Ecosystem Consultant
Open Director of Operations
Angie Ladwig Girls in STEM Program Coordinator
Phil Wood FIRST Tech Challenge Coordinator
Callen Zind Communications Manager

Our Co-Working Partners

These fellow STEM-related organizations are co-located with KC STEM Alliance at 4825 Troost Ave., allowing for easy collaboration.

WeCode KC

Our Connections

Members of our advisory board help set the strategic direction for KC STEM Alliance.

 

Katie Bennewitz SS&C Technologies
Jessica Dain Piper School District
Dennise Day Union Station/Science City
Crystal Faris Kansas City Public Library
Erin Kliethermes Federal Reserve Bank Kansas City
Julee Koncak Burns & McDonnell
Larry Lee Black & Veatch
Michelle McConnell Evergy, Inc.
Rachel Merlo Google Fiber
Tim Moormeier US Engineering
Martin Pickney Missouri S&T
Kenny Rodrequez Grandview C-4 School District
Robin Stubenhofer Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLC
Leigh Anne Taylor Knight The DeBruce Foundation
Kevin Z. Truman University of Missouri-Kansas City
John Vaughn Member at Large
Jessica Zlab Garmin

Johnson County Community College
Kansas City Kansas Community College
Kansas State University
Metropolitan Community College
Ottawa University
Pittsburg State University
Rockhurst University
University of Central Missouri
University of Kansas
University of Kansas-Edwards Campus
University of Missouri-Columbia
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of Saint Mary
University of Missouri Science & Technology
Wichita State University
William Jewell College

These organizations and corporations sustain the mission of KC STEM Alliance through financial support. See our full list of supporting organizations.