Updates from the Collaborative
EMPLOYER ENGAGEMENT FOCUS GROUP
During the month of November 2024, the RWL team collaborated with Sunflower Talent Strategies to conduct surveys and focus groups on the topic of employer engagement. The primary goal was to understand how to better serve districts as they partner with employers, as well as understand the needs of business and industry as they engage with schools RWL Coordinators and RWL Leads, including assistant superintendents and directors, completed the survey and participated in either virtual or in-person focus groups. Employers were invited to participate based on their established connections and engagements with schools. Three key takeaways from the survey include:
Storytelling Matters
Employers want to know their efforts are making an impact and they want to hear more about what is happening regionally with Real World Learning. Events such as Get on the Bus provide those opportunities. Additional ideas to explore include garnering more media recognition for the work and a monthly newsletter with employers identified as a target audience.
Simplicity in Engagement
Working with multiple districts can be challenging especially as they have varied requirements and entry points. Employers have asked to understand the expectations of engaging with a district up front, including MOU requirements and background checks. In some instances, employers choose to work with districts simply because they have been deemed easier to work with and those with clear paths for communication and engagement.
Streamlined Opportunities for Exploration Activities
Right now, there are some annual events that provide students with space to explore careers, including Future Pathways and iBuild Also, there are career fair events that happen in most districts and employers are fielding those requests with limited availability One idea that surfaced from employers and those managing RWL in districts is to consider district-wide or micro-regional events that offer exploration for students, especially for younger students
Improving processes and engaging with employers at all levels will only help as schools and districts continue to strive toward the goal of 100% MVA attainment by 2030.
STUDENT VOICE
Get on the Bus Event Planning
Real World Learning Student Voice Ambassadors worked tirelessly in preparation for Get on the Bus! You can find a mini-feature on this event on page 6.
Get on the Bus is one of Real World Learning’s biggest events, bringing together students, educators, and employers to celebrate and expand the RWL initiative. Leading up to the event, our Student Voice Ambassadors took on key behind-the-scenes roles. They rehearsed scripts, prepared student panelists, learned how to report stories, and practiced interview questions to capture authentic experiences and insights—ensuring they were ready to capture and share the impact of this event.
Their dedication made Get on the Bus an unforgettable event, amplifying student voices and showcasing the power of Real World Learning in action!
REAL WORLD LEARNING IN KANSAS CITY
A MODEL OF REGIONAL TRANSFORMATION
By: Dr. Bill Nicely
The Kansas City Real World Learning Collaborative began in 2018 with a clear goal: scale high quality profession-based student learning experiences—Market Value Assets (MVAs)— to reach all of Kansas City’s 100,000+ high school students.
In six years the collaborative has grown from 16 to 45 districts and 85 high schools During that time, the “why” around this work has become more defined When agency is a key tenant, realworld experiences are transformative for all students, but particularly for those from historically underserved communities and students who live in poverty. For years, educators have observed firsthand the value of MVAs in students. Increasingly, research-based evidence also indicates that MVA experiences result in Student Outgrowth attainment, and with that comes an increase in student confidence and agency over their future.
School leaders and their boards of education are making key observations; the value students gain from Real World Learning is just the beginning. Classroom teachers who integrate work-based learning experiences like Client Connected Projects (CCPs) as a means of achieving content standard mastery also experience agency over their instruction as they transition their teaching style to facilitators of learning In this pursuit, teachers develop strong relationships with civic, business and other community partners. Doing so gives them a confidence boost because local professionals begin to have a better understanding and appreciation for their expertise in the classroom and dedication to their students, which, of course are attributes that most teachers possess, but heretofore have not been revealed to community partners No longer is there a disconnect between community partners and parents with teachers and the classroom. That better understanding of “what’s happening in the classroom” removes preexisting biases and replaces them with an appreciation of capability for both teachers and students.
When school leaders integrate student MVA experiences into the classroom in such a way that it becomes integrated into the school culture, the effect is nothing short of the transformation of what high school is and what it means to be a high school graduate. This work is so impactful that many of Kansas City’s RWL districts are now beginning to integrate the same components at middle school and elementary levels by introducing grade-level appropriate MVA experiences as well as career interest and aptitude exploration When these students can connect their “what i’m good at” and “what I want to be” with “what I need to learn to get there,” they too gain agency over their learning.
Those professionals who choose to assist students and teachers in this work quickly realize altruism is only the initial motivator. With an ever-growing number of student MVAs attained all across the Kansas City Collaborative, community, business and industry partners not only have a new appreciation for the work of educators, they also view their school partnerships as a way to identify talent, better understand the dynamics of tomorrow’s workforce, gain industry insights from the fresh perspective of young people and take advantage of the amazing effect mentoring has on the employee motivation and well being.
With this kind of impact in just six years, we have been thinking ahead about what’s in store for 2025 and beyond. In true collaborative fashion, the 2022 RWL Strategic Plan has received a refresh to better represent this moment in time RWL’s updated Strategic Plan is not just a guiding document for the Kansas City Collaborative, it’s a strong indicator of the past success scaling high-quality MVA experiences for all students. Quantifying the value of these experiences for students over time as well as the economic gain of skilled workers to the region's economy is a future goal.
Stay tuned
No longer is there a disconnect between parents and community members with teachers and the classroom.
Get ontheBus 2025
R E A L W O R L D L E A R N I N G P A R T N E R L U N C H E O N
Sharing advice, tips, and shoutouts fosters a culture of collaboration and appreciation. When we take the time to celebrate each other's successes and exchange insights, we strengthen our community and inspire continuous growth. Whether it’s a small tip that makes a big difference or a heartfelt recognition of someone's efforts, these shared moments create connections that uplift and empower everyone.
“Comfort is the enemy of progress”
“Don’t fear the fire, become it”
“Shout out to the Student Ambassadors at Crossroads Prep for showing great leadership skills and fearlessness”
-Mrs. Edwards, Crossroads Charter Schools
“Shoutout to out amazing intern, Addie!”
-Newkirk Novak Construction Partners
“Keep exploring while you are in high school, great opportunities will come your way!”
“Shoutout to PREP-KC and the Center Middle School Team!”
“Take on the responsibility of educating yourself. Read according to your interests.”
“There is power in being young! TAKE RISKS!”
Students aren’t just preparing for the future they’re actively shaping it At the Get on The Bus event, six high school students took the stage to share how Real World Learning has changed their paths, strengthened their confidence, and given them a voice in their education.
Moderated by Mackenzey Spiller (Raymore-Peculiar Graduate) and Obi Obiesie (North Kansas City High School) both longtime advocates for student voice this panel showed why empowering students to take an active role in their learning isn’t just beneficial, it’s essential.
For these students, internships, client-connected projects, and hands-on learning experiences have provided clarity, confidence, and career direction Lizzy Ruhl, Winnetonka High School shared, "For my client-connected project, I helped redesign a donor card for Midwest Transplant It confirmed that I love leadership roles and inspired me to pursue a career where I can make a real difference."
These students spoke passionately about the importance of having a say in their education and how it fuels their personal and professional growth and when asked how adults can create meaningful space for student voices, panelists emphasized listening, collaboration, and trust. Gabriella Morris, a junior at Central High School offered, “Create a safe space for students to share their honest opinions Sometimes we don’t speak up because we’re afraid of saying the wrong thing ” T H E P O W E R O F S T U D E N T V O I C E
Watch the full panel discussion
Left to Right: Moderator and Student Voice Leader, Mackenzey Spiller, Raymore-Peculiar Graduate, Panelists, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Ruhl, Winnetonka High School, Gabriella Morris, Central High School, Lacey Crespo, Harrisonville High School, Lucy Travis, Piper High School, Sergio Neunz, Horizons, Shawnee Mission School District, Thomas Lewis Jr , Southeast High School, Moderator and Student Voice Leader, Obi Obiesie, North Kansas City
N D U S T R Y P E R S C P E C T I V E S O N S T U D E N T E N G A G E M E N T
Young people bring candor, honesty, and directness that’s refreshing. Their perspectives help unify and clarify our work—guiding us in ways we never imagined.
Employers are helping students build their futures—and shaping the workforce of tomorrow in the process! By engaging with high school students through real-world learning, businesses gain fresh insights while empowering young leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers. These partnerships create a win-win for students and organizations alike.
At the Get on The Bus event, community leaders came together to share how they’re making an impact. Moderated by Crystal Everett, program leader for Real World Learning, the panel featured Danielle Dupree (Innovation Center), Adam McClun (KC Common Good), and Cori Smith (BLK+BRWN), each offering powerful stories and practical strategies on engaging students
Left to Right: Moderator, Crystal Everett, Real World Learning Program Leader Panelists, Danielle DuPree, Ennovation Center, Adam McClun, KC Common Good, Cori Smith, BLK+BRWN
Upcoming Events
FEBRAURY 20TH
COMMUNITIES OF PRACTICE
PEER LEARNING NETWORKS
FEBRUARY 25TH
STUDENT VOICE
FEBRUARY 26TH
CCP TEACHER NETWORK WORK DAY
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