We are proud to invest in the schools, leaders, and organizations that expand access to high-quality, personalized education and opportunities for Kansas City students.
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Fifty-one percent of KCPES schools are underperforming. But our children deserve more, and they deserve it now.
In 2026, we began actively investing in schools and organizations that create pathways for Kansas City students to succeed.
We identify opportunities based on our Community Blueprint for KC Schools, reflecting the voices of over 150 local students, families, and educators. Each investment strengthens schools, builds organizational capacity, and generates impact for generations of students.
Under Executive Director Dr. Sean Stalling, DeLaSalle Education Center is strengthening the support every student receives, preparing them for life beyond graduation. This ensures that their education continues beyond the classroom and they build a vision and a plan for their future.
Investment Priorities:
Investment Highlight: Four new school buses will make it easier for students to participate in before- and after-school learning opportunities.
Aligning Community Blueprint Guiding Principle: Flexible Pathways with High Standards and Leadership & Future Access
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Superintendent Dr. Tiffaney Whitt has led Hope Leadership Academy's remarkable academic turnaround. After a curriculum overhaul, the previously struggling school is now the 7th highest elementary operator in growth for reading and mathematics. We are excited to invest in her momentum as a leader driving real results for students.
Investment Priorities:
Highlight: Supporting Hope Leadership Academy's expansion through the integration of Hogan Elementary School, allowing the school to serve significantly more students while adding new learning spaces, including a gymnasium and library.
Aligning Community Blueprint Guiding Principle: Leadership & Future Access
Inspired by her aunt, legendary Kansas City jazz musician Julia Lee, Tanya Lee is bringing a nationally successful performing arts model to Kansas City. Opening in 2027, the Legacy of Julia Lee Performing Arts Academy will be the city’s first elementary performing arts school.
Investment Priorities:
Highlight: The Legacy of Julia Lee Performing Arts Academy offers young students a place to explore music, movement, theater, and creativity while engaging in rigorous academics, filling a gap in performing arts education in the city.
Aligning Community Blueprint Guiding Principle: Community-Rooted Learning
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Show Me KC Schools provides vital information about local schools to empower families in making public education decisions and finding a great option for their children.
Investment Priorities:
Community Blueprint Guiding Principle: Leadership & Future Access
Teachers Like Me is contributing to a stronger educator workforce by recruiting, developing, and supporting Black teachers in Kansas City. This offers more students access to exceptional educators and ensures schools have the talent they need to offer the highest-quality education.
Investment Priorities:
Community Blueprint Guiding Principle: Leadership & Future Access
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What would school look like if it were designed around what students and families actually say they need?
We spoke to over 150 Kansas City students, families, educators, and school leaders to identify the conditions every child deserves, leading to our Community Blueprint for KC Schools.
Four guiding principles emerged, creating a shared vision for stronger, more equitable schools that close the achievement gap and support all aspects of the educational ecosystem.
All of our investments advance one or more of these principles.
Read the Community Blueprint for KC Schools
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Subscribe to our newsletter and Substack for updates on upcoming opportunities to get involved as we create the education our Kansas City students deserve.
Every investment is guided by the Community Blueprint for KC Schools and supports leaders with a clear vision, a strong track record, and a strategy for creating lasting change. Rather than funding one-size-fits-all solutions, BLAQUE Kansas City invests in the people and organizations best positioned to improve outcomes for Kansas City's students.
BLAQUE Kansas City examined the entire education ecosystem, from school leadership and governance to teacher development and family support. Each investment aligns with one or more of the Community Blueprint for KC Schools' guiding principles and advances a stronger future for Kansas City's students.
The Community Blueprint for KC Schools is a community-informed framework created through conversations with over 150 Kansas City students, families, educators, and community leaders. It identifies the conditions students need to thrive and serves as the foundation for BLAQUE Kansas City's investments and advocacy efforts.
For our planned rounds of investments, we will identify the schools or organizations that will receive support. To learn about potential other opportunities, please contact us.
Yes. We will be making an additional round of investments in the second half of 2026. Subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media to stay informed about future investments.
Stay informed about our work and upcoming opportunities in Kansas City.