Catalyst Program

Did you know? High-achieving students with lower family incomes are much less likely to go to college than their more affluent peers.
North Kansas City Schools is proud to offer additional support and mentorship to close this gap and make college a reality. The NKC Schools Catalyst Program identifies and supports students across the district's four high schools who are high performing and historically underrepresented to be accepted and graduate from the nation’s most selective colleges and universities at an affordable cost.  
 

Even though I was a great student, it never even occurred to me that there were options for me beyond the jobs I saw and did growing up coming from a low-income community. But if you’ve worked hard, there are places that will reward you for that hard work and effort. I just had no idea that my daughters would have this opportunity, and I know they now have brighter futures than anyone in my entire family line. Catalyst has made it possible. K.P., parent of Catalyst scholarNavigating college choices and financial aid can be a daunting task, especially for students who are the first in their families to attend college. Many of the Catalyst Program’s activities center around college exposure, knowledge building, and skill development to ensure students put their best foot forward. Selective schools are not easy to get into, but with the proper support, our students absolutely have what it takes to get into these top-tier universities. One of the greatest benefits of the Catalyst program is the belief that “iron sharpens iron.” Students learn from one another and inspire their peers to achieve new heights together.