PLTW Volunteer Implementation

PLTW Launch curriculum immerses students in hands-on STEM learning. KCNSC volunteers now join forces with teachers to enhance this curriculum by bringing real-world relevance into classrooms.

“By joining forces with PLTW elementary classrooms in the district, the KCNSC volunteers are creating a powerful synergy and relevance, equipping our learners with real-world skills and preparing them for life in and out of the classroom,” said PLTW’s Senior VP of Community Partnerships Martha McCabe. “This model of a robust business/education community partnership in Kansas City is one Project Lead The Way is actively working to replicate across the United States.”

In the pilot semester, 41 KCNSC volunteers supported nearly 500 students. Megan Thurman, Director of Materials, encouraged her team to participate, emphasizing how volunteering strengthens teams.

“Volunteering allows us to prioritize what is good for us culturally as an organization and builds better teams,” Megan said. “It helps us grow additional skills, it bonds us around giving back and makes better individuals out of all of us.” 

FIRST Expansion

FIRST Robotics fosters problem-solving, collaboration and leadership skills. KCNSC helped launch seven new robotics teams in the Grandview district, with two teams winning regional titles in their first year. KCNSC volunteers worked alongside those teams cheering them on to success.
“My time with FIRST as a mentor has been rewarding, helping to grow and coach the amazing students who will become our future workforce at KCNSC and across the nation,” said Karissa Schinze, KCNSC Inspector. “We’ll always need problem solvers, and at Grandview, FIRST is developing them in our backyard.”  

As a former FIRST participant, Matthew Mohler, Technical Manager at KCNSC, credited the program for his career connections.

“I had the opportunity to explore new technical skills and advance my leadership skills,” Matthew said of the experience. “It provided me the opportunity to build my network through all the amazing volunteers from local businesses, including the KCNSC. Four of the seven people involved with hiring me here were volunteers I met through FIRST.”

Advanced Manufacturing Pathway

Grandview High School’s Advanced Manufacturing Lab, equipped with lathes, mills and welding tools, is brought to life with support from KCNSC and Honeywell Federal Solutions employees.

Brad Hughes, Brent Barcus and Rob Mandl, Commercial Industry Advisors for Honeywell Federal Solutions, have met weekly since 2023 to upgrade their manufacturing lab and lead implementation of professional practices in the curriculum. 

“It has been truly inspiring to collaborate with a district so dedicated to elevating career pathways in manufacturing at the high school level,” said Brent. “Personally, it has been incredibly rewarding to witness the transformation — not just in the physical space, which now stands as a point of pride at Grandview, but also in the growth and enthusiasm of Mr. Burns and his students. This work will undoubtedly help cultivate the next generation of manufacturing talent in the very near future.” 

Machine Repairpersons Kevin Burk and Tim Adams worked directly with students in the lab.

Kevin said, “Encouraging students to explore their creativity and demonstrating applied engineering and scientific principles while also assisting them in gaining experience in a marketable skillset seemed like a win-win to me.” 

Tim was paired with a student who needed guidance from the outside to be successful.  “If my volunteering in the lab leads to a young person choosing a career in manufacturing, that is an incredible gain for the 40 hours I committed,” Tim added. “He just needed encouragement, which I gave him. That is building a legacy.”