Local nonprofit focused on K-12, brings ‘Real-World Learning’ program to schools and businesses
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 education and training, equips students with tools to succeed in their careers.
The nonprofit recently 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. Today, POAC is contracted with six school districts and several corporate partners.
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 the corporate world.
The program, which runs in bi-weekly sessions for the length of the school year (August through May), also provides information to students on job opportunities and potential career pathways to better enable them to succeed professionally. Real-World Learning’s first partnerships are with the Park Hill School District, North Kansas City School District and the Liberty School District for the 2021-2022 school year.
“POAC’s Real-World Learning program proactively equips students with educational tools that focus on emotional intelligence around diversity — to prevent discriminatory and biased behavior before it even enters the workplace — as well as workforce development training that helps increase students’ market value assets for future employment,” said POAC’s founder and CEO, Jamie Grayson. “As POAC continues to grow, we want to provide this program to even 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 combatting discrimination in the corporate workplace after a particular experience was brought to his attention. 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. 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.
POAC will sponsor a charity golf tournament at Smithville’s Paradise Pointe Golf Complex on October 8 at 9am 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.
“Our golf tournament for Real-World Learning brings exposure to what we’re doing, and it allows people to rally behind an inclusive front for positive change,” Grayson said. “The support we receive from events like this helps us provide educational opportunities for more districts and it brings people of all backgrounds together to make a difference.”
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 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.