American Graduate Town Hall | Career Education Relies On Community Engagement

Kansas City PBS recently brought together area high school students to discuss their futures as a part of our “American Graduate: Getting to Work” initiative.

The town hall discussion, facilitated by Miles Sandler of the Kauffman Foundation, focused on student questions and local success stories. One consensus reached by students, teachers and business leaders alike was that students succeed most when they are exposed to engaging, real-world scenarios.

“Kids need to be made aware of the opportunities that are in Kansas City,” said William Chrisman High School student Hannah Noel, “but then also empowered to try and take the initiative to do those opportunities and get involved with those organizations to take hold of their own futures.” 

Participants in the town hall agreed that partnerships between local businesses and education leaders are needed to make career connections in the minds of Kansas City students. They also noted exposure to local careers not only inspires students to pursue specific areas of work, but also informs them on what they would prefer not to do.

See the attached video for the first of three installments of highlights from the “American Graduate: Getting to Work” town hall. Additional episodes will appear Dec. 11 and Dec. 18 on Flatland.