SparkWheel

?? Volunteers Needed! ?? Join us for FutureNow: Finance on April 3rd with 20/20 Leadership and help KC Metro students gain real-world financial skills! ???? We’re looking for volunteers to guide students through this hands-on simulation, where they’ll learn about budgeting, expenses, and making smart financial decisions for their future. ?? Event Date: April 3, 2025; 8:45 am - 1 pm ? Sign-Up Deadline: Friday, March 28th Your time and support can make a lasting impact on students as they prepare for life beyond high school! Sign up today and be part of this incredible experience! ?? ?? Sign up HERE: https://buff.ly/T19Oe1j #SparkWheel #FutureNowFinance #2020Leadership #FinancialLiteracy #VolunteerOpportunity

After three years of building our school pantry partnership with Harvesters—The Community Food Network today we passed the baton to SparkWheel to continue this work in our public schools and beyond! We started our incubation of this work with the goal to close gaps of opportunity that may be affecting student absenteeism. The school pantry program allowed students and their families to conveniently access food resources in schools, reducing hunger and helping students attend class best able to learn. Over the last three years this program has produced incredible results, including 70% of schools reporting increases in trust and family engagement in their schools, and 15% reporting a decrease in student chronic absenteeism. We have also: ?? served ~3200 unique families a year ?? distributed an estimated 216,755lbs of food annually ?? launched a total of 40 pantries in public schools We are excited to see where the Sparkwheel team takes this program, and we are so proud to have been a part of launching this important work in our public schools! #forourstudents #foodinsecurity #harvesters #community #partnership #kansascity #kcmo #education #schools #publiceducation

??#StudentSpotlight: Meet Rylan!?? Rylan, a student at Prairie Park Elementary, has been part of SparkWheel for two years—and she’s already making a big impact! ?? Favorite Subjects: ELA & Writing ?? Hobbies: Playing volleyball, being outdoors, and making crafts ?? Future Goals: Rylan has big dreams! She’s considering becoming a music artist, teacher, or visual artist when she grows up. One of Rylan’s favorite parts of SparkWheel is the Lunch Buddy Program, where she’s been matched with Korin, a University of Kansas volunteer, for over a year. "Meeting with my lunch buddy feels a little like having a big sister," Rylan shared. She loves having someone to talk to about life and appreciates the special connection they’ve built. She also values her SparkWheel Student Support Coordinator, Mrs. Jackson, saying, "She’s very supportive, and I know I can talk to her when I need to." Over the past few years, Rylan has grown into a creative, hard-working, and kind student who is always there for her friends. We’re so proud of you, Rylan! ???? #SparkWheel #StudentSuccess #LunchBuddyProgram #BrightFuture

?? #StudentSpotlight: Meet Laurynn! ?? Laurynn joined SparkWheel at Fort Scott High School earlier this year with a clear goal: to have a successful academic year. One of her biggest challenges came in choir class, where she was assigned two solo performances. Nervous about singing in front of an audience, Laurynn turned to SparkWheel for support—using the SparkWheel room as a safe space to practice. Through dedication and perseverance, she improved with each performance and ultimately earned an A in choir for the semester! ???? But Laurynn’s growth goes beyond the classroom. She has become a strong advocate for mental health, encouraging her peers to be kind to themselves and to each other. Partnering with Mrs. Eden, she wrote uplifting notes and placed them on the mirrors in all the women’s restrooms throughout the school—a small act with a big impact. She also submitted an article about self-love to the student newspaper, which was selected for publication. In it, she writes: "Stop hating your body, your face, your personality, your quirks. Love them. Without those things, you wouldn’t be you. I love my flaws, I love my imperfections. They make me, me. And me is pretty." Laurynn’s favorite subject is Math, and after high school, she hopes to become an EMT, using her career to help others in their time of need. ?? Laurynn’s journey is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of self-love. She is making a difference not only in her own life but in the lives of those around her. We are so proud to have her in the SparkWheel family! ?? #SparkWheel #StudentSpotlight #SelfLove #MentalHealthMatters #ChoirSuccess #FutureEMT

SparkWheel?is thrilled to announce it has been awarded a $3,000 grant from the Fort Scott Area Community Foundation (FSACF). These funds will directly support program materials, enhancing resources for students at Fort Scott Middle and High Schools.?Learn more in the article below.

?? #StudentSpotlight: Meet Oran! ?? Oran, a student at White Rock Elementary School, brings a big personality and an even bigger imagination to everything he does. His favorite subject in school is Physical Education, though he’d probably say recess if given the choice. Outside of school, Oran loves spending time with his duck and riding his dirt bike, always looking for his next adventure. When thinking about the future, Oran dreams of becoming a circus clown. With his fun-loving spirit and natural ability to bring joy to others, he’s sure to be a great entertainer. One of his favorite things about SparkWheel is getting to relax in the hammock swing, a perfect spot to unwind. He also appreciates his Student Support Coordinator, describing him as "nice and cool." Oran’s enthusiasm, creativity, and sense of adventure make him a bright light in the SparkWheel family. Keep chasing your dreams, Oran—we can’t wait to see where they take you! #SparkWheel #StudentSpotlight #FutureCircusStar #DreamBig #WhiteRockElementary

?? Double the celebration today! ?? Join us in celebrating three incredible years with Stefani Britton, SparkWheel Student Support Coordinator at Ottawa High School, and Alix Helms, our amazing Data Manager! Stefani has been a rock for the students at Ottawa High, providing support and guidance to help them thrive, while Alix keeps our data running smoothly, ensuring we can continue delivering the best services possible. Their hard work and dedication have made such a positive impact, and we’re grateful for everything they do! ?? Here’s to many more years of success, Stefani and Alix! ???? #WorkAnniversary #SparkWheel #StudentSuccess #ThankYouStefani #ThankYouAlix

SparkWheel is honored to announce the continued support through an anonymous donor advised fund at the National Philanthropic Trust advised by J.P. Morgan Private Foundation Services.?This $120,000 grant award funds integrated student supports?at Central Middle School and George Washington Carver Academy in Waterloo, Iowa. Learn more in the article below.

?? #StudentSpotlight: Meet Kellissa! ?? Kellissa is a dedicated and compassionate member of SparkWheel’s Post-Secondary Success Program who embodies resilience and determination. Whether she’s hitting the gym, running with her dog, or balancing work and school, Kellissa approaches life with energy and purpose. She first joined the SparkWheel family in 2021 as a high school sophomore. Now, she’s stepping into an exciting new chapter as a first-generation college student, working toward her dream of becoming a nurse! Since starting college in January, Kellissa has been navigating the challenges of adulthood with grace—balancing a part-time job, her own apartment, and a full course load. ?? On SparkWheel’s Support: "I am so thankful for my success coach. She is always there for me, even when I message her late at night." – Kellissa Kellissa’s Post-Secondary Success Coach, Rhonda Hoener, is just as inspired by her journey: "I’m committed to helping her navigate this phase of life, and I’m excited to continue witnessing her efforts to build a successful future." Kellissa’s story is a powerful reminder that with the right support, anything is possible. The SparkWheel family is so proud of her progress and can’t wait to see all that she accomplishes! ??? #SparkWheel #PostSecondarySuccess #FirstGenStudent #FutureNurse

?? Celebrating two amazing years with Caleb Jones! ?? Caleb has been an incredible Student Support Coordinator at Pineville and White Rock Elementary Schools, consistently going above and beyond to support his students’ growth and success. His dedication to fostering a positive learning environment and making a difference in the lives of his students has truly been inspiring. We are so grateful to have him on the SparkWheel team! ?? Here’s to many more years of making an impact, Caleb! ???? #SparkWheel #WorkAnniversary #StudentSuccess #ThankYouCaleb