Local nonprofit focused on K-12, corporate DE&I training secures Hadley Project grant at launch of Real-World Learning program
Kansas City, Missouri — April 11, 2022 — Local nonprofit People of All Colors Succeed (POAC) has secured a three-year grant from The Hadley Project totaling $75,000 in support of its Real-World Learning program, which launched its pilot program in partnership with charter school DeLaSalle Education Center last week.
POAC’s Real-World Learning program provides education for students 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 their chosen career paths.
The Hadley Project, backed by the Sunderland Foundation, is a $6 million fund that awards three-year grants to grassroots nonprofits focused in racial, social or environmental justice issues.
“As a fund that’s specifically focused on racial equity and creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of leaders in Kansas City, we believe that diversity is a key driver of progress and innovation,” said Thomas Sunderland, a Founding Board Member for The Hadley Project. “POAC and its Real-World Learning Program align perfectly with our core mission and values. We look forward to working with Jamie and his team to lay the groundwork for an inclusive and equitable future in Kansas City.”
Last week, POAC’s pilot program for Real-World Learning placed its first cohort of DeLaSalle students in internships across various industries based on their skill sets. Organizations accepting interns through the program include Kansas City Credit Union, Bank Midwest, Martin T. Rucker Development and Scuola Vita Nuova.
“POAC’s Real-World Learning program proactively equips students with educational tools that focus on emotional intelligence around diversity, as well as workforce development training that helps increase their market value assets for future employment,” said POAC’s Founder & CEO, Jamie Grayson. “Our recent funding from The Hadley Project — as well as our partnership with DeLaSalle — allows us to build a strong foundation for our Real-World Learning program by equipping students with career opportunities and training. Our goal is to help train and keep our workforce in Kansas City by building a diverse pipeline of talent and equitable opportunity.”
For the 2022-2023 school year, POAC aims to see at least 40 DeLaSalle students complete the Real-World Learning program with a 100% job placement rate — and to expand programming to other Kansas City schools. Funding from The Hadley Project will help POAC to widen its reach to other educational centers in the Kansas City area, ultimately connecting students with career education and opportunities.
Last year, POAC received three sizeable grants totaling $225,000 from Blue KC ($150,000), the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation ($50,000) and Kansas City Credit Union ($25,000). Today, the nonprofit is contracted with six school districts and several corporate partners.
In support of its mission, POAC will hold a “Day at the Derby” charity gala on Saturday, May 7 at Three Points Rooftop in the Crossroads Arts District (1511 Baltimore Ave.) and is currently seeking business sponsors, volunteers, partnering organizations and donations. All proceeds will contribute to expanding the Real-World Learning program, ultimately bringing workplace education to underserved school districts and businesses throughout the area.
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.