Google makes new $120K pledge to KC schools; region embraces a future built on flexibility
November 14, 2024 | Startland News Staff
In an era of artificial intelligence and high-tech solutions, the children of Kansas City remain a vital piece of the region’s future economic sustainability, said Utaukwa Allen, announcing a new financial pledge from Google that targets local students.
Kansas City Public Schools have been selected for a $120,000 partnership with Google to strengthen KCPS’ STEM curriculum, equipping students with the skills needed for impactful careers and a future driven by digital innovation, said Allen, global head of economic and community development for Google data centers.
Utaukwa Allen, global head of economic and community development for Google data centers, speaks during the KCADC’s 2024 annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC
“From data centers to investment in STEM education, Google’s commitment transcends infrastructure; our partnerships in Kansas City are vital engines of economic growth and resilience for the region and beyond,” she told a crowd of more than 2,000 civic and business leaders gathered Thursday for the Kansas City Area Development Council (KCADC) annual meeting.
Google in March announced plans for a $1 billion data center in the Kansas City area. In addition to sprawling facility, Google pledged to bring 400 megawatts of new carbon-free energy to the local grid and contribute $100,000 to the North Kansas City School District’s STEAM center, reinforcing its dedication to sustainable growth and educational innovation in the community.
“Today, we build on our commitment to nurturing a sustainable, inclusive and economically vibrant environment in Kansas City, ensuring its future workforce is ready to lead in the era of AI,” said Allen.
A crowd listens to remarks during the Kansas City Area Development Council’s 2024 annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC
The KCADC’s annual meeting — themed “FLEX” — highlighted the more than $1.8 billion in such investments across the 18-county, two-state region. It celebrated a landmark year of growth and reinforced the power of flexibility and adaptability as drivers of regional success and, ultimately, long-term growth, said Ora Reynolds.
“When our partners flex their strengths, from community-building to attracting world-class investments, Kansas City becomes a stronger, more resilient region,” said Reynolds, KCADC senior co-chair and president and CEO of Hunt Midwest.
To date in 2024, KCADC and its partners attracted 16 companies to the region, driving $1.8 billion in capital investment, 1,498 new jobs, $104.7 million in wages and 2.3 million square feet of new space.
Leaders from the Kansas City Area Development Council share success data on stage during the KCADC’s 2024 annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC
This year also marked a new milestone in KCADC’s media coverage, according to the organization, with 630-plus stories of Kansas City’s project wins, industry strengths and lifestyle amenities reaching an audience of more than 1.25 billion — 1 in 8 people worldwide.
“Eyes all over the world are on Kansas City thanks to our tremendous success, from billions of dollars in investment and industry growth to national sports recognition and global affinity for the KC story,” said Reynolds. “Today, we celebrate our monumental wins while challenging ourselves as an entire region to push for more.”
Tim Cowden, president and CEO of Kansas City Area Development Council, speaks on stage during the KCADC’s 2024 annual meeting; photo courtesy of KCADC
Tim Cowden, president and CEO of KCADC, encouraged attendees to embrace a flexible, forward-looking approach to sustain and build upon Kansas City’s recent wins.
“Kansas City’s momentum is no accident — it’s the result of our entire region aligning around a shared vision for innovation, resilience and growth,” said Cowden. “By embracing flexibility and the power of collaboration, we’re building a future where Kansas City isn’t just keeping up — it’s leading on a global stage.”
Consistently ranked as a top regional economic development group, KCADC serves as an essential resource for locating businesses and talent to the region. The organization recently received two gold medals at the International Economic Development Council’s Excellence Awards for its annual publication, KC Options Magazine, and “KC Design Draft” campaign.
Featured Business
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
KC nonprofit wants to change the face of tech (without leaving its students in debt)
Editor’s note: The following story was sponsored by Resiliency at Work 2.0 Career and Technical Education, a Kansas City-based organization focused on creating and increasing equitable opportunities through education and training for careers in the technically skilled workforce. Dr. Joy Vann-Hamilton set out to close the diversity gap in the tech workforce; her work through…
Proof is in the spending: CEO-to-CEO Challenge yields results in diversifying supply chains
Editor’s note: The following story was sponsored by KC Rising, a regional initiative to help Kansas City grow faster and more intentionally, as part of a campaign to promote its CEO-to-CEO Challenge on supplier diversity. When she started researching the institutional knowledge at MMC Corp. about working with diverse suppliers, national purchasing director Kelli Fraas found the process was…
Her new role is reenvisioning one of KC’s most iconic events for entrepreneurs; how Callie England is shaking up GEW
Callie England misses the life of an entrepreneur, she shared, but her new role with the UMKC Innovation Center — and GEWKC — allows her to stay in the game without being on the field. As of January, the veteran Kansas City startup founder is responsible for managing the branding and marketing initiatives of the…
Sand volleyball tourney for early-career professions works to ‘Spike the Stigma’ on mental health
Joining the workforce is no walk on the beach, said Mark Potts, but give him and his teammates a few hours in the sun and sand on a Saturday afternoon and it could be. “Nobody is on their journey alone,” said Potts, president of the Go Further Foundation, explaining the organization’s purpose and its goal…