Talent Initiatives

KC Degrees -- Connects adults to credentials and careers. KC Degrees Navigators will help you figure out what steps you need to take to finish your degree or earn a certificate. Their services are free. Fill out the intake form to start the process. Navigators also provide comprehensive career and education advising services and referrals to community organizations to help address barriers to success, including financial, family and/or academic barriers. 

KC Rising -- A regional economic development initiative established in 2015 through a key partnership of the Civic Council (largest employers in region), the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), the Kansas City Area Development Council (regional economic development) and the KC Chamber (largest business member organization in the region) to grow an inclusive economy through engagement with business, education, government, and human service organizations. KC Rising's steering committee oversees initiatives on human capital and education; growing the region's trade sectors; access to capital for entrepreneurs and businesses; and place-based initiatives to improve access to opportunity, all with a focus on equity and inclusive prosperity.

MARC Annual Workforce and Education Summit-- An annual event, this summit brings together thought leaders, educators and organizations working in the areas of education and workforce development. This event occurs in November or December of each year.

Real World Learning -- Redesigning high school so graduates are more prepared for the workforce. Interested in a micro-area approach to connecting businesses and students for potential client projects. RWL identifies innovative education practices from outside the region and supports their implementation.  Focus on building towards scale so that all students have the experiences designed to advance their future.

Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) Convenings related to workforce and education

GRADForce KC -- The network is composed of educational and community-based organizations focused on improving educational attainment and creating a talent pipeline for economic and civic vitality

Regional Workforce Intelligence Network --  Provides a forum to share workforce and other economic data of interest to our local stakeholders (the network includes chambers of commerce, economic development corporations, community colleges, workforce investment boards, nonprofits, etc., in both KS and MO). RWIN uses the meetings to share information and seeks input from members to advise MARC's CEDS (Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy), data dashboards and data reports/products (like county reports). There is also a monthly 'Workforce Indicators' newsletter that is produced by MARC.

Welcoming America -- This plan works to make the metro a more welcoming and inclusive place for all with a particular emphasis on immigrants, refugees and underrepresented population. The goal is to develop a five year strategic plan to make Kansas City a “certified” welcoming city through the Welcoming America organization in addition to making Kansas City more inviting to all.