Honors Program-Kauffman School Partnership
Beginning with the fall 2011 semester, the UMKC Honors Program joined in partnership with the new Ewing Marion Kauffman charter school to create and develop an opportunity for students from both UMKC and Kauffman to engage in intellectual growth and creative collaboration. Students in the UMKC Honors Program look forward each semester to working with the school, promoting the educational and social opportunities available to Kauffman students. The Honors Program provides UMKC students with two options: work-study positions for students who are eligible and wish to work extensively (15-20 hours/week) at Kauffman and volunteer positions.
The Honors Program consists of some of the brightest students at UMKC and represents a diverse pool of interests and talents. Moreover, many of the honors students have participated extensively in volunteer and social outreach activities while in high school. The talent, commitment, and input of those involved on both ends of the collaboration are imperative to the success of this initiative.
The Kauffman School enrolled 100 fifth graders in the first year; a new fifth grade class will be added each year until the school is complete from grades five through twelve. The Kauffman School vision is to be recognized as the premiere public school in the state of Missouri and as a national model for the entire public school sector. The school's mission is to prepare students to excel academically so that they may graduate from college and apply their talents in the world to create economically independent and personally fulfilling lives. The Kauffman School will focus on the academic and social growth of its students -- a goal shared by the UMKC Honors Program. For an "up close" look at the Kauffman School, please check out this short video.
Honors Program students have the extraordinary opportunity of working with a brand new charter school. Examples of assignments include the following:
Club Leader - Kauffman and the Honors Program have developed a variety of clubs for students, including art club, book club, foreign languages, public speaking club, and creative writing club
Teacher Assistant
Math Tutor
Science Tutor
Some of these jobs would demand a certain knowledge or ability on the part of the UMKC student. Others could be filled by any honors student. Assignments will change and evolve over the years as the school grows. For more information about the Honors Program/Kauffman School Partnership, please contact Dr. Gayle Levy, Honors Program Director, at levyg@umkc.edu.