Students facing educational inequality in Greater Kansas City will have better access to mentors, resources and enhanced educational opportunities thanks to a $2 million donation from the Arvest Foundation.
The gift was announced today at the Teach For America (TFA) office in Kansas City. Mark Larrabee, president for Arvest Bank in Greater Kansas City and Arvest marketing manager Shalea Walter were on hand to present the check.
The funds will help TFA with its mission of recruiting a diverse network of “corps members.” Corps members work as teachers in local schools in low-income communities for at least two years. When their teaching stints are complete, most corps members continue teaching, pursue other leadership roles in schools or choose careers that can help shape educational access and opportunity.
“Over the past 10 years, TFA has brought more than 1,000 leaders to Kansas City to serve more 150,000 students in our urban core,” TFA executive director Chris Rosson said. “Thanks to the generosity of, and partnership with, the Arvest Foundation, we will be able to recruit, develop and support the next generation of Kansas City’s leaders. As we have seen, this program produces leaders who are keenly focused on making Kansas City a better place for all.”
The gift is in line with the Arvest Foundation’s mission to provide funding to those who are actively working to create positive change for others, specifically in the realm of K-12 education.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to present this significant donation on behalf of the Arvest Foundation to support Teach For America’s efforts in Greater Kansas City,” Larrabee said. “There may be no greater cause than expanding opportunities to children to help them reach their full potential, and we are thrilled to partner with TFA to make that happen right here in Kansas City. Those opportunities, and progress in general, start with education, and today’s gift will improve the educational experiences of countless kids. This donation is one of many we have made throughout the area, and we hope it demonstrates the foundation’s ongoing commitment to our children and their education.”