Nonprofit focused in real-world learning, diversity education raises $17K to expand local K-12 programming
Kansas City, Mo. — Local nonprofit People of All Colors Succeed (POAC) is closing the gap between injustice and equality for those of all backgrounds through its Real-World Learning program — an initiative which, through interactive education and hands-on training, equips students from underrepresented populations with the tools, resources and opportunity to succeed in their careers.
Earlier this month, POAC hosted its first-ever charity golf tournament, an event which raised more than $17,000 and saw nearly 150 participants. The funds will be used to build capacity for POAC’s Real-World Learning program, ultimately allowing the organization to extend its reach to more school districts. In addition to its current six school district partnerships, POAC hopes to partner with at least six more area schools for its programming in 2022. The nonprofit also plans to hold its golf tournament annually and is already planning for October of next year.
“We had a fantastic turnout for the event in which community supporters of all different backgrounds came together to have important conversations — all while building new friendships and enjoying a great day for fall golf,” said POAC’s founder and CEO, Jamie Grayson. “It’s amazing to see so many people in our first year come out to support the young leaders of tomorrow, and we can’t wait to see how this new funding will impact the students in our communities we serve.”
Earlier this year, POAC received three sizable grants totaling $225,000 from Blue KC ($150,000), Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation ($50,000) and Kansas City Credit Union ($25,000), opening future opportunities for workplace diversity education in the Kansas City area and beyond.
The Real-World Learning program provides education for students and business professionals in work experience, soft and hard skills, financial health and wellness and technical training. In collaborating with local businesses, partners and school districts, POAC aims to endow students with higher emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills and technical education for careers across all sectors of business.
The program, which runs for the length of the school year (August through May), provides information to students regarding job opportunities and potential career pathways to better enable them to succeed professionally. The program also focuses on supporting students with the soft and hard skills to be successful in their internships and life after school. Real-World Learning’s first partnerships are with Scuola Vita Nuova (SVN) Charter School, De La Salle Education Center, while we still have our Emotional Intelligence programming that is implemented in six other area school districts.
“The Real-World Learning program proactively equips students with educational tools that focus on emotional intelligence around diversity — to have a better understanding of biased behaviors before it even enters the workplace — as well as workforce development training that helps increase students’ market value assets for future employment,” Grayson said. “As POAC continues to grow, we want to provide this program to more school districts that have been historically underserved so we can create a pipeline of career opportunities for these students.”
Grayson started the organization in 2019 with the aim of combating biases that take place in the corporate sector after a particular experience was brought to his attention and how it was addressed. As the nonprofit gained traction through grassroots efforts, Grayson extended POAC’s platform to include an educational program for students in local K-12 schools.
Among other initiatives such as unconscious bias training, POAC provides education in starting “courageous conversations” around diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) in schools and in the workplace. Its program is centered around mutual respect, open group discussion and thought-provoking questions meant to highlight both differences and common ground. Grayson and his team engage with companies and school districts around the KC metro area to offer hands-on education, training and action plan building, based on specific needs and desired outcomes.
For more information on getting involved with POAC or sponsoring, contact Jamie Grayson at jamie@poacsucceed.com.
About POAC
Founded in 2019, People of All Colors Succeed (POAC) is a community partner and pillar for change in Kansas City. The organization works with schools and businesses to empower individuals to break the cycle of bullying and the unconscious biases that exist, and to encourage courageous conversations for change. Through understanding, open dialogue and inclusion, POAC builds healthier communities and a brighter future for our children. Learn more at poacsucceed.com.