Kansas City’s Future Center for
INNOVATION, DISCOVERY, ENTREPRENEURSHIP, ARTS
The mission of IDEA Space KC is to build a mutually supportive space in southeast Kansas City for educators and learners to explore Innovation, Discovery, Entrepreneurship and the Arts through consistent and ongoing learning experiences that prepare them to lead lives of purpose and passion.
8 mi.
SCHOOL DISTRICTS Belton Blue Valley Center Grandview Hickman Mills
Kansas City, MO Raymore Raytown Shawnee Mission
IDEA Space KC is designed to serve thousands of students from the metropolitan area’s diverse neighborhoods and varying socioeconomic backgrounds through year-round, hands-on educational experiences. IDEA SPACE KC WILL PROVIDE
>1.5M
hours of ongoing education each year to
91,400 MO & KS public school students who live in school districts within an 8-mile radius of our 122nd & State Line location. Of this group of diverse students, more than 50% are underserved.* *51% student diversity 54% free/reduced lunch eligibility Sources: School district websites, Niche.com
THE POWER OF INNOVATION.
A High-Tech STEAM Space
With the expertise that comes with more than a century in education and the agility of a startup, IDEA Space KC will nurture students’ most innovative ideas, serving as a testing ground for new concepts and a launchpad for dreams.
“ What we love about IDEA Space – it is an innovative
approach that will provide essential building blocks for our future workforce and offer students greater access to high-quality computer science and STEAM education. In essence, it is exactly what this region needs now to be a technology leader tomorrow.” — Ryan Weber, President & CEO, KC Tech Council
THE POWER OF DISCOVERY.
Early Childhood Education Center
A passion for STEAM doesn’t suddenly start in high school – it must be cultivated from a young age. The IDEA Space early childhood education center, for children six weeks to three years old, fosters lifelong learning by encouraging discovery and play in an inspired setting.
“ We are thrilled to see the IDEA Space come to life in the heart of Leawood, Kansas. With the excellence of The Barstow School fueling education and innovation, everyone in our community can look towards a promising future.” — Mayor Peggy Dunn, City of Leawood
THE POWER OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP.
An Incubator for StudentDeveloped Businesses
Entrepreneurship, the beating heart of Kansas City, is both our foundation and our future. Developing the entrepreneurial mindset for young people requires a safe place to take risks, to fail forward and to build resilience, perseverance and grit.
“ It’s your right to be uncommon if you can. You seek opportunity to compete. You desire to take the calculated risk, to dream, to build, yes, even to fail, and to succeed.” -Ewing Marion Kauffman, Legendary KC Entrepreneur (Source: Kauffman.org)
WHY DOES ENTREPRENEURSHIP MATTER? Of today’s grade school students,
Of today’s high school students,
will end up in jobs that have not yet been invented.
will want to start their own businesses.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, 2017
Source: STEAM Studio, growingleaders.com
65%
72%
THE POWER OF ARTS.
A Professional-Caliber Black Box Theater Space
The artistic expression possible in a black box theater setting is limitless. The 160seat venue creates a space for arts groups from around the region to offer theater productions, community meetings, author talks, art shows, speakers and camps.
“ The evidence is crystal clear… Kids who get involved in the arts… have higher grades. They have higher graduation rates. They have higher college-enrollment rates.” -Michelle Obama, National Arts and Humanities Youth Program awards, 2015
“ Only 15% of job success comes from
technical skills and knowledge. The other 85% comes from well-developed soft skills, things like the ability to listen, artistic sense, nonverbal communication, enthusiasm and storytelling. Isn’t this the focus of our work in Theater?” - Patricia Raun, Director, Virginia Tech Center for Communicating Science, 2017
THE POWER OF PLAY.
Multi-Use / Athletics
IDEA Space KC’s non-district sports and arts facilities are open to athletes, esports gamers and dancers alike. From volleyball to pickleball and soccer to futsal, a large multi-purpose gym with interchangeable surfaces will serve local club or municipal sports teams. A dance studio will accommodate dancers and other exercise classes, and budding gamers can sharpen their skills in multiplayer video game competitions.
THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.
Collaborative Commons
We believe collaboration is a vital part of our community. That’s why the heart of IDEA Space KC is designed as a welcoming place for anyone who is excited about learning – kid collaborators, community makers, civic and nonprofit organizations and more. Whether it’s an informal co-learning meetup or a formal banquet, at IDEA Space KC collaboration knows no boundaries.
“ Kansas City is recognized as a hub of innovation
and entrepreneurship in the Midwest. IDEA Space KC will be a great launching pad to educate the learners, makers and doers of tomorrow.” — Tim Cowden, President, KC Area Development Council
65,000 SQ FT STEAM FACILITY Dock
Storage
Multi-Use Infant
Sleep
Outdoor Play
Sleep Indoor
CNC
Tech Lab
Dance
Dock
Theater
Collaborative Commons
Storage
Training
Mezzanine (Above)
Fabrication Lab
Artificial Intelligence
Dressing Room
Play
Early Childhood
WK RM
Maker Space
Kitchen
OFF
Clinic
Off Toddler Toddler
Cafe
COLLABORATIVE COMMONS At the hub of IDEA Space is our Collaborative Commons, the perfect collaboration place for civic meetings, corporate events, business planning, parties and other special events. With the comforts of a living room or your favorite coffee shop, the Commons will be open to the public year-round and include full A/V capabilities. Perfect for intimate meetings of just two people or events of 200.
Entry
Laser
3D
Classrooms
Shared Flex
Empowering learners and educators today to create the Kansas City of tomorrow. Powered by The Barstow School @ideaspacekc