What is 20/20 Leadership?

In 1993 the program began with 4 students from the 9 high schools in Wyandotte County.  The 9-month budget was $3,500.  In 2002, the Ewing Marion Kauffman and  Garth Brooks “Teammates for Kids” Foundations provided grants to expand program into Jackson and Johnson Counties.  In 2003, the BOD made decision to file for the 501(c)(3) status.  Notification of approval was received 6 weeks later.

Uniqueness of the 20/20 Leadership Program:

• Bi-state program, multi-county
• Students learn about their community and the Greater Kansas City Metropolitan area
• Breaks down social, racial, economic, academic and geographic barriers
• GPA is not an admission criteria – program designed for the 2.0 – 4.0 GPA student
• School administrators and counselors endorse and support the program. School Administration and staff receive monthly program communication and aware of student attendance
• Transportation provided to and from school
• Assist student in career and workforce development
• Scholarship information, personal statements, essay workshops provided
• Provide support letters for students
• 120 educational hours received during 15-month program
• Program involves individuals from ages 16-35
• 2,650 Alumni
• Assist alumni with resumes, networking and placement
• Two $500 scholarships are provide to graduating seniors by 20/20 Leadership Alumni
• More than 7,000 hours volunteer hours contributed through community projects since 1993
• 20/20 Leadership was selected by the Kansas City Royals as the State Farm Good Neighbor Award recipient for April 2010

20/20 Leadership involves:  

Junior Leaders—A 10-month program

Senior Leaders—A 5-month program

Alumni Leaders—Graduates return to program as trainers, mentors, board members, advisory and committee members. 

Student Responsibility:

•  RSVP*
• Actively participate in the program by attending monthly meetings
• Sit with someone from another school
• Have fun

*2 unexcused absences is reason for dismissal.  Learning to RSVP teaches “personal responsibility” and are not accepted from parents.