Chiefs TE Travis Kelce to create STEM learning space for underserved teens

“Six more years, baby. I couldn’t begin to tell you how much this city means to me. You took me in seven years ago and made all my dreams come true! I can’t wait to give you another six years of everything I got when I take the field with my brothers.

But I’m also recommitting myself to the work I have left to do on the field. The amazing kids I’ve seen grow up the last seven years in the inner-city of KC are now teenagers navigating a world that doesn’t always have their back.

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.

So together with Operation Breakthrough, we’re going to create this place.

I am excited to announce I am purchasing the building that will be the future home of the “Ignition Lab: Powered by 87&Running” — a co-working space where these teens will have the support, resources, and opportunity to explore the careers in STEM, launch their own entrepreneurial ventures and gain real-world experience.

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.”