Education

It’s science: Music moves young minds, says singer-turned-nonprofit leader; festival to showcase how diversity of song shapes community

By Tommy Felts / August 9, 2023

A Kansas City non-profit’s punk rock move to improve teens’ mental wellness through song is getting an extra jolt from a $100,000 gift — funds that support the organization as it plans an upcoming music and arts festival in the city’s Northeast, as well as promotes scientific efforts to show how rock and roll impacts…

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Startup’s next chapter writes itself: AI-generated bedtime story platform launches with language-building upgrades

By Tommy Felts / August 9, 2023

With an emphasis on diversity and creativity, JQ Sirls’ AI-powered story generator is set to redefine children’s literature while uniting generations, he said.  “I’m really trying to create these magical bonding moments between adults and children. When adults use this technology to create their own story, it makes them feel like a kid again. Then…

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Show-Me Honeywell: How this high-security KC tech campus became a one-day classroom for Missouri school leaders 

By Tommy Felts / June 29, 2023

A group of Missouri educators, counselors and administrators took a summer trip across the state to visit notable companies and learn firsthand about relevant career pathways for their students, detailed Brian Crouse. Among the behind-the-scenes looks: a rare glimpse into the work at Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, which manages the U.S. Department of Energy’s…

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Community Builders to Watch: Jeff Shafer merges hip hop, education equity to boost message of greatness

By Tommy Felts / June 1, 2023

Editor’s note: Startland News is showcasing five Kansas City changemakers from five local organizations through its third annual Community Builders to Watch series. The following highlights one of the 2023 honorees, selected from more than 100 initial nominees. Click here to view the full list of Community Builders to Watch — presented by Cyderes. Check…

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‘I Am’ the domino effect: This changemaker wants to show youth impacted by redlining another reality

By Tommy Felts / May 26, 2023

When Elijah Dormeus moved to Kansas City in 2019, he brought with him a nonprofit that provides mentorship and leadership training to students in underserved communities, with the end goal of empowering them to achieve their dreams. “The I Am Foundation really came from leading, encouraging, and motivating students to see themselves greater than their…

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