WHAT WE DO
Life-Long Growth & Development
Urban Ranger Corps implements a singular program which operates year-round, from June through May and is broken down into two sessions; a Summer Session (June-August) and a School-Year Session (September-May). Since our founding (2005) we have worked with more than 973 young men; with 90 participants enrolled in the current program year. Ninety (90%) of participants attend school within Kansas City Public Schools or the Kansas City Charter School system.
Projects & Activities
At URC, we utilize evidence based tools and widespread institutional partnerships to deliver quality projects and activities to our participants. All projects and activities are designed to offset some of the major problems affecting youth in the urban core while at the same time working to upgrade the status of our future human resource pool. Here is how we do it.
PAID WORK EXPERIENCE
During our summer session, we provide young men with employment while also teaching them the life skills and character traits needed to be successful and contributing adults. High school students earn an hourly wage while middle schools students earn a weekly stipend.
MENTORING & ONE-ON-ONE COACHING
URC mentoring incorporates a “real world” methodology that introduces young men to real life or real-world situations and/or circumstances. Throughout the year, we help young men develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills needed to navigate the obstacles that exist in their everyday lives.
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
The URC model works as a comprehensive community-based system that promotes and shares ownership of its program success with the entire population of Kansas City. We do this by involving students in more than 2,000 hours of community service throughout the school-year.
HOPES & DREAMS SCHOLARSHIP FUND
The Hopes & Dreams Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to college-bound members of the Urban Ranger Corps. This scholarship is awarded to our high school graduates based on demonstrated academic achievement, financial need and commitment to service in the community.
INDIVIDUAL CAREER & ACADEMIC PLANNING
At the beginning of our school-year session we help young men develop an Individual Career & Academic Plan (ICAP). The ICAP is a personalized goal plan that helps guide students successfully through the school year towards postsecondary education and/or workforce success.
EDUCATIONAL TOURS & WORKSHOPS
At URC we believe some of the best learning opportunities happen outside the classroom. We engage students in “real world” experience that will open students’ eyes to local/global career, business and educational opportunities. Our hope is to inspire them to consider their own career path and provide invaluable experiences all-round.