NFL athlete to create STEM space for underserved teens
August 28, 2020
Two days after signing a $57m contract extension, Travis Kelce of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs announced that he will create a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning space for underserved teens. In a bid to bridge the gap for children in Kansas who lack opportunity, exposure and privilege, his space will bring learning and entrepreneurial opportunities.
In coordination with local charity, Operation Breakthrough, Kelce purchased a building to convert into a STEM co-working space to house the new “Ignition Lab: Powered by 87 & Running.” At the facility, teens will have support, resources and opportunities to explore careers in STEM, launch their own entrepreneurial ventures and gain real-world experience.
“The vision is to give these teens in KC’s underserved neighborhoods a safe haven. A place where they’re exposed to interests and role models far beyond the field or court. Kids can’t concentrate if they don’t feel safe. They can’t envision a career they’ve never heard of or learn a skill they’ve never been taught,” Kelce wrote.
Kelce and his charity 87 & Running have long been proponents of STEM in the Kansas City community. He was previously named the NFLPA Community MVP during the 2018 season after opening up a robotics lab for the underserved youth in Kansas City. This new project is a step further in helping teenage youth explore and advance to careers in STEM.
Operation Breakthrough expressed excitement about the new partnership and what the lab brings to Kansas City. "We know we are working on a high school robotics practice field," Operation Breakthrough CEO Mary Esselman said.
"One of the things we started when we opened the Makers City was our kids start coding at an early age. They are participating in robotics and we want to make sure we can continue that. We are hoping to have an electronics lab, a green tech lab."
“As a kid I was mindful of how life looked different for everyone, but as a man I am profoundly aware of the difference in opportunity, exposure and privilege I grew up with compared to others. Where you live, the situation you were born into or the color of your skin should have no impact on the dreams you can dream. And it’s a beautiful thing when a kid’s dream comes true,” Kelce stated.
Current events have made it clear that igniting passion in STEM education is a global priority. As a Founding Member of the Sport and STEM Alliance, we are committed to leveraging sport’s appeal and its success in engaging young people around the world – including through Alliance member efforts – to open minds to the exciting opportunities within the STEM fields. Click here to learn more.