Real World Learning

An exciting day at Kansas City Public Schools! We’re incredibly proud to showcase the invaluable Real World Learning opportunities at Manual Career Technical Center. These important experiences help cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and adaptability. Our students are gaining the skills they need to excel in both their future educational pursuits and career goals.✨💫 #LevelUp Getting Smart Real World Learning Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

Kicked off my first week as the newest associate on the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Real World Learning team by engaging and supporting the New Pathways to Real World Learning Conference, hosted by Real World Learning, Getting Smart and American Student Assistance. I was able to see #RealWorldLearningKC from a different perspective by visiting the new Real World Learning Center in Hickman Mills C-1 School District, as well as the Advanced Manufacturing Lab at Grandview High School. The collaboration between Center School District 58, Hickman Mills C-1 School District and Grandview C-4 School District are on full display and I can't wait to learn more. I'm also very proud of the two Kansas City Public Schools students that are engaging with RWL and Student Voice this year. They used their voice on a panel during the conference to highlight how much they want and need to take ownership of their experiences in schools, as well as how much these experiences are shaping who they are. A major shoutout to Rashawn Peterson-Caruthers, Ed. S for leading workshops, plenary sessions and many other things in between. Your passion for the work of real world learning, centering equity and providing opportunity for all students was on full display this week. Truly anticipating a journey ahead that will not only allow me to grow my own knowledge of RWL, but also to support with engaging schools and stakeholders to provide meaningful, quality real world learning experiences for all students in the #KC region. #NewPathways #RealWorldLearning #Collaboration #CenteringStudentLearning

We made some great connections at the Explore Your Future in Healthcare event, sponsored by Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council (KCMHC) and Real World Learning. More than 500 students were able to learn about becoming healthcare professionals. Thanks to all who stopped by to learn about training and job placement resources available through Full Employment Council. #HealthcareJobs #FECKC #KCJobs #MOJobs

Celebrating the end of another terrific week of learning, partnership, celebrating excellence alongside absolute joy & fun! TY Getting Smart, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation & Oracle Health for hosting the New Pathwathys Conference this week. Connected with Kenny Rodrequez, Ed.D., a recently announced Project Lead The Way Outstanding Administrator of the Year. Received instruction from a Grandview C-4 School District student on how to weld. Check out my straight line! Served on a panel highlighting STEM education in the community. Shared so many laughs with colleagues from all over. And last night saluted the tremendous work of Teri Chartier Kriege, the Director of Operations at KC STEM Alliance, for her years of committed service to the youth of KC and closed out the evening with poetry & bold women at the Kauffman Foundation’s Spark! Open House. However, the most profound comments were delivered by the principal from Olathe School District’s Olathe South HS, Dr. Sean DeMaree during the closing keynote yesterday afternoon - (summarized in my words)…we can provide tremendous Real World Learning experiences for our students, but if they do not ALL feel safe, feel like they belong or feel seen in our high school buildings, then these extra experiences are lost and not as important. Thank you, Dr. DeMaree, for keeping all of our region’s students truly at the center of our work. Rashawn Peterson-Caruthers, Ed. S Mason Pashia Crystal M. Everett, M.Ed. Christina Chandler Natalie Lewis #PLTWProud STEM Learning Ecosystems

From a recent student panel at the New Pathways to Real-World Learning Experiences conference: Madison shares a glimpse into her experience in Digital Media Technology and how it’s equipping her with the skills she needs for the future! 💡🎥 Watch as she talks about the importance of #RealWorldLearning and a hands-on approach is helping her prepare for what’s next 🚀 #NewPathways #RealWorldLearningKC #MediaProduction #StudentVoices #FutureReady #DigitalMedia #CreativeCareers Getting Smart Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation Real World Learning

The Real World Learning initiative in Kansas is proving that hands-on, career-aligned learning engages students and prepares them for the future. Check out our latest newsletter for more on Kansas City’s work. https://hubs.li/Q02RpxCP0

Last week, at Getting Smart and Real World Learning’s New Pathways to Real-World Learning event in #Kansas City, History Co:Lab’s KC Lead, Emily Wegner, joined leaders from What School Could Be, Uncover KC, and Liberty EDGE in a powerful panel discussion on real-world, civic, and community-connected #learning. During the event, she showcased the #youngpeople who worked with KC educators during our weeklong KC Summer Institute to co-design and refine their Client Connected Project (CCP) ideas with the video below. Watch it and hear them reflect on the impact of their CCPs and their excitement about co-designing more impactful initiatives: https://lnkd.in/eVEVrDNd #education

Monday September 16th Real World Learning and the Kansas City Metropolitan Healthcare Council had the privilege of hosting a healthcare career showcase! The event consisted of over 100 activity hosts and 500+ students from 17 school districts and charters. Students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on exploration with employers, post-secondary educators and intermediaries to explore the multitude of opportunities within the healthcare industry. Following the event 94% of students reported that they are more interesting in the industry as a result of the event, 90% said that they learned information that will assist them in making future education and career decisions, 51% said they expanded their network and made a connection with someone who can assist them in making decisions about their future, and 65% learned that they have a skill that can contribute in a healthcare setting. With events like these RWL continues to bridge the gap between education and real-world experiences. Follow us to continue learning about the success of students and schools in the Kansas City area. Event organized by Dovetail Solutions and Sunflower Talent Strategies. #HealthcareCareers #RealWorldLearning #StudentSuccess #KCHealthcare #CareerExploration #HandsOnLearning #EducationToCareer #StudentEngagement #FutureWorkforce #KansasCityEducation #RWLInitiative #YouthDevelopment #SkillsForSuccess #KCMOEvents #HealthcareShowcase

Thrilled to share that NBC, Channel 41, has highlighted the impressive Real World Learning achievements at Kearney High School. The story features how the Class of 2025 will be the first to require a Market Value Asset (MVA) for graduation, setting a new standard for student success. Watch the segment to learn more. #RealWorldLearning #CareerReady #Education #StudentSuccess #HighSchoolInternships #CommunityEngagement #WorkforceDevelopment #StudentExperience #SkillBuilding

One of the core goals of the Real World Learning initiative is to ensure that by 2030, all students in the Kansas City region graduate with one or more Market Value Assets (MVA). While it may be easy to view MVAs as simply a professional skill-building experiences for the workplace, it's essential to recognize that a high-quality MVA profoundly impacts how students perceive themselves and engage with the world. What is a MVA? A MVA is cornerstone experience that prepares students for future learning and employment. Students develop Real World Learning skills that will benefit them beyond high school. Currently each MVA is categorized under one of six of the following categories. Client Connected Project - Students analyze and solve problems by working and collaborating with other students and professionals. Entrepreneurial Experience - Students gain the knowledge, skills, and mindset needed to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, whether starting their own businesses or becoming innovative leaders in the workplace. Internship - Students perform authentic job tasks at a worksite or approved location under the guidance of a qualified supervisor. Youth Apprenticeship - Students combine academic and technical classroom instruction with work experiences through a program registered with or through an employer sponsor. Industry Recognized Credential - Students earn certificates, certifications, or licenses that verify their qualifications or competence in a technical area. Dual Credit or College Credit - Students take classes that count for both high school and college credit, giving them a jumpstart on college. Dual Credit programs also save students time and money by earning college credits in high school. #RealWorldLearning #CareerReady #Education #StudentSuccess #WorkBasedLearning #FutureOfWork #HighSchoolInternships #CommunityEngagement #WorkforceDevelopment #StudentExperience #EducationInnovation #SkillBuilding #ExperientialLearning #CareerPathways #YouthEmpowerment