Kansas City Public Library
Project Title
For project support to expand reach and services through both their English as a Second Language and college access and readiness programs
Date
Jun. 05, 2025
Duration
24 months
Description
The Education program has selected eleven public libraries from nine states for their impactful programs and broad reach as part of its Libraries as Pillars of Education and Democracy initiative, a two-year, $5 million grant program launched in December 2024. These libraries were chosen through a highly competitive process from over 1,400 expressions of interest, demonstrating a strong commitment to expanding English language proficiency programs for adults and enhancing college readiness and access for teens. With this support, the selected libraries will scale their impact, strengthen community partnerships, and create new opportunities for students. The Kansas City Public Library is among the selected libraries. With Corporation support, they will expand their Refugee & Immigrant Services and Empowerment (RISE) program with workforce-aligned ESL courses while also scaling College Readiness programs like Teen Leaders and the Digital Media Lab to offer leadership training, financial literacy, and mentoring to local youth. Through FAFSA workshops, scholarship support, and family engagement, KCPL will boost ESL enrollment, expand college access, and strengthen workforce partnerships to bridge service gaps and foster economic mobility.