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We create bright futures together - partnering with our community to power innovative programs, scholarships, and essential resources for NKC Schools.

Impact Report

The NKC Schools Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) partnering with families, businesses, and community members to support 22,000 students and 3,500 staff across NKC Schools. Established 1996.

Impact at a Glance

  • 147 scholarships awarded to graduating seniors — $185,000+ invested in post‑secondary pathways (2‑ and 4‑year colleges and technical training), serving students across GPAs 2.0–4.0+.
  • 35 Kahler Innovation Grants | $50,000+ fueling classroom innovation and reaching nearly 9,000 students.
  • Meal debt relief for 1,153 families at year’s end — thanks to generous donors.
  • Serving 22,000 students and 3,500 staff districtwide; the Foundation was established in 1996.
Download the FY25 Impact Report

Get Involved

  • Donate - Fund classroom innovation, basic needs, and student opportunities.
  • Volunteer - Help at events, serve on a committee, or support student programs.
  • Follow @NKCEdFoundation - Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X to see impact in real time.
  • Questions? This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. • (816) 321‑5550.

What Your Giving Powers

Scholarships

A record year: 147 awards totaling $185,000+ for seniors pursuing college and career training - supporting learners across GPA ranges and pathways. See recipient spotlights on Facebook, Instagram, and X @NKCEdFoundation.

Kahler Innovation Grants

35 grants this year - more than $50,000 invested - bringing hands‑on, creative learning to nearly 9,000 students across NKC Schools.

Student Success (Basic Needs)

Community gifts cleared meal debt for 1,153 families so students could finish the year strong.

Early Learning

New I’m Ready for Kindergarten books are helping our youngest learners and their families start school with confidence.

North Kansas City Schools Education Foundation

Staff

Director

Midori Carpenter

North Kansas City Schools

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Sharman Blankenship
Executive Assistant

Sharman Blankenship

North Kansas City Schools

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Program Coordinator

Sarah Forgey

North Kansas City Schools

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North Kansas City Schools Education Foundation

Advisory Board

Dr. Rochel Daniels
Superintendent of Schools, Ex-officio

Dr. Rochel Daniels

North Kansas City Schools

NKC Schools PTA Council

Kurt Austin

Sporting Kansas City
Staff Member at Large

Matt Barrows

North Kansas City Schools
Community Member at Large

Roy Copeland

State Farm Insurance
Community Member at Large

Andrew Corrao

KC STEM Alliance
Business Member at Large

Mary Duren

Landmark National Bank
Treasurer, Ex-officio

Matt Fritz

North Kansas City Schools

Emily Fundermann
Business Member at Large

Emily Fundermann

Northland Health Alliance

Tammy Henderson
Exec. Director, Community Relations & Gov. Affairs

Tammy Henderson

North Kansas City Schools

Catherine Holmes
Teacher of Distinction

Catherine Holmes

North Kansas City Schools

Board of Education Liaison

Joe Jacobs

North Kansas City Schools
Holly Kaden
Community Member at Large

Holly Kaden

Anderson Survey Company
Julie Keilman
Community Member at Large

Julie Keilman

Children’s Mercy Hospital
Sarah McKenna
Chair, Parent Representative

Sarah Lang-McKenna

Community Volunteer

Business Member at Large

Kim Nakahodo

City of North Kansas City
Business Member at Large

Edward Watts

CSD Credit Union

Goals and Priorities

Our focus: move students forward, grow sustainable resources, and strengthen how we work - together.

Impact

Remove barriers, elevate student voice, and spark enriching learning—built on transparency.

Fundraising

Grow a culture of giving and partnerships, align gifts to impact, and steward donors well.

Communications

Connect our community, alumni, and donors through clear, human storytelling that ties giving to impact.

Infrastructure

Strengthen systems, policies, and technology - and equip champions - to sustain and scale our impact.
These four pillars reflect the Foundation’s 2023–2028 strategic direction approved by the Advisory Board.