Housing Support: The Kansas City Public Schools Foundation is proud to partner with Driven Development to help KCPS teachers and staff access quality, attainable housing throughout the Kansas City community. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting the dedicated professionals who make a difference every day in the lives of students and families.
Driven Development focuses on creating housing opportunities for the people who strengthen our communities, including educators, first responders, healthcare professionals, and other essential workers. Their mission is rooted in the belief that individuals who serve our neighborhoods should have the opportunity to live, work, and thrive within them.
Through this partnership, KCPS employees have access to high-quality rental housing offered at rates significantly below comparable market rents. While these apartments are not free, they are intentionally priced to provide meaningful savings and increased housing stability for teachers, support staff, and other school district employees. By reducing housing costs, this program helps make living in Kansas City more affordable while allowing employees to remain connected to the communities they serve.
Access to safe, quality, and affordable housing plays an important role in individual and family well-being. Driven Development's investment in attainable housing helps residents put down roots, build long-term stability, and contribute to vibrant neighborhoods across the region. Their work supports not only individual households but also the broader goal of strengthening communities through sustainable development and workforce retention.
The KCPS Foundation is grateful for Driven Development's commitment to supporting educators and school staff. Together, we are working to remove barriers, create opportunities, and ensure that those who invest in our students have access to housing options that support their success and quality of life.
KCPS employees are encouraged to review Driven Development's current list of available properties and learn more about housing opportunities available through this partnership.
Student Debt Solutions: The Kansas City Public Schools Foundation, in partnership with Principals Connect, is pleased to offer KCPS employees access to Student Debt Solutions, a comprehensive student loan advisory service designed to help borrowers better understand and manage their student debt.
For many educators and school employees, navigating student loan repayment programs can be complicated and time-consuming. Federal repayment plans, loan consolidation options, and forgiveness programs often come with complex requirements, leaving borrowers uncertain about the best path forward. Student Debt Solutions provides expert guidance to help individuals evaluate their options and make informed decisions with confidence.
One of the most valuable opportunities available to educators is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program, which may allow eligible borrowers working in public education and other qualifying public service fields to receive forgiveness of their remaining federal student loan balance after meeting specific requirements. However, many eligible individuals are unaware of the program, are unsure whether they qualify, or may unknowingly miss important steps in the process.
Through this partnership, KCPS teachers and staff can receive individualized assistance from experienced student loan advisors at no cost. Participants can receive support with reviewing loan portfolios, assessing eligibility for forgiveness and repayment programs, understanding federal policy changes, and developing a personalized strategy to achieve their financial goals.
By helping employees reduce uncertainty and maximize available benefits, Student Debt Solutions empowers KCPS staff to make smarter financial decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and focus more of their time and energy on serving students. Whether employees are just beginning repayment, pursuing loan forgiveness, or simply seeking clarity about their options, this program provides trusted guidance every step of the way.
The KCPS Foundation is proud to partner with Principals Connect to offer this valuable benefit as part of our commitment to supporting the financial well-being of the educators and staff who make a difference in the lives of Kansas City students every day.
KCPS employees interested in exploring their student loan repayment and forgiveness options are encouraged to take advantage of this free resource and learn how Student Debt Solutions can help them create a path toward greater financial stability.
KCPS Compass: The Kansas City Public Schools Foundation is proud to partner with United Way of Greater Kansas City to offer KCPS Compass, an employee hardship assistance program designed to help KCPS team members navigate life's unexpected challenges. The program provides short-term financial assistance to eligible employees experiencing unforeseen hardships caused by personal emergencies, medical crises, natural disasters, or other significant life events.
At some point, many individuals and families face circumstances beyond their control that create sudden financial strain. Whether dealing with extensive home damage, a serious illness, the loss of a loved one, or another unexpected emergency, these situations can place tremendous pressure on household finances. KCPS Compass exists to provide support during these difficult moments, helping employees focus on recovery and stability when they need it most.
Through this partnership, eligible KCPS employees may apply for emergency financial assistance to help address immediate needs resulting from qualifying hardships. Applications are administered and reviewed by United Way of Greater Kansas City, ensuring a confidential and impartial process. In addition to potential financial assistance, employees may also be connected with community resources and referral services that can provide further support. The KCPS Foundation recognizes that the well-being of our students is closely connected to the well-being of the educators and staff who serve them. By helping employees weather unexpected hardships, KCPS Compass strengthens our workforce, supports employee wellness, and reinforces our commitment to caring for the people who make a difference in the lives of Kansas City students every day.
KCPS employees experiencing a qualifying hardship are encouraged to learn more about the program and submit an application through the KCPS Compass Employee Hardship Fund. A link to the fund application can be found in the KCPS Employee Section of the website.
The Kansas City Public Schools Education Foundation is pleased to announce its annual State of the Schools Leadership Breakfast. The event will be held on Wednesday, October 12th, 2022 from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. The Leadership Breakfast will serve as a fundraiser, celebrating KCPS Education Foundation-funded programs and their direct influence on the students, teachers, and parents in Kansas City Public Schools.
Keynote speaker Dr. Jennifer Collier, Interim Superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools, will speak about the Current State of the Schools. She will recognize recent Accreditation Status, out-of-the-box programming, and local partnerships that provide support to KCPS staff and students.