Program Overview

We envision a future where children thrive. Offered in several schools in the Greater Kansas City area, CAAGKC Youth Services provide students with the tools, support, and resources they need to successfully make it through high school and beyond. Year-round programs and services include work readiness, career exploration, leadership development, life skills, parenting education, community engagement, scholarships and more. We have programs to nurture children of all ages, helping them to rise above their challenges and reach their full potential. Our children are more than statistics.

Eligibility Requirements

1. You must be a resident of Clay, Jackson, or Platte counties.
2. You must be within 125% of the federal poverty guideline.

Year-Round Programs

Emergency Services
For families who have trouble meeting their basic needs, we offer emergency food, clothing, and transportation.

Occupational Skills Training
Our occupational skills training can help you gain the skills you need to develop your career and build your pathway to a brighter future. We offer Warehouseman and M.E.D.S (Medical Education Development Support) training for eligible youth ages 18 to 24.

Food Assistance 
To address the food insecurities due to COVID-19, Families will be eligible to shop from an established list from Wal Mart. Food will be delivered right to your door. Each family may be eligible to purchase up to $300.00 worth of food for 3 months based on funding availability.

School Year Programs

P.A.V.E. the Way
Project, Assets, Values, in Educations (P.A.V.E.) is an after-school and summer program that helps high schoolers pave the way to higher education. Not only do they work to develop leadership skills and explore career options, but they also receive a stipend to help make ends meet throughout the school year. Plus, some students may qualify for a CAAGKC college scholarship upon graduation. Scholarships for P.A.V.E students are $1,500.00. The summer internship is a 6-week program beginning in the middle of June and continuing through July.

General Scholarships
CAAGKC provides eligible students interested in attending college an opportunity to apply for a $1,500.00 scholarship that is renewable each year. Consideration will be given to students who need additional assistance during the current year. Technical and vocational scholarships are also available.

College Tours
We can help upperclassmen explore colleges and universities in various states over Spring Break, helping them find the best fit.

BackSnack
Lots of kids go hungry when they’re not in school. We can provide a backpack full of kid-friendly, nutritious food to help cover their weekend meals.

Summer Programs

Freedom School
For kids who are in K-8th grade, this summer program keeps young kids motivated to continue learning and reading over the long summer. This program is free and all meals are included.

Summer Camps 
Do your kids want to go to summer camp this June, July, or August? Youth Services is recruiting for several summer camps including Camp Wildwood, Camp Fire Heartland, and YMCA Camp.

Summer Internships
Our summer internships are for High School and College students. Students will earn $15 dollars an hour, and work 6 hours per day Monday -Friday for six weeks (6). First priority is given to P.A.V.E the Way students.

Leadership Programs
We help teens develop the skills they already have inside; encouraging them to make a positive difference in their own lives and in their community.

REALL Poverty Simulation
If you work with youth and want to help them learn about how their choices may have an affect on their future, check out our REALL Poverty Simulation. Click here to learn more.

How to Apply

Complete the downloadable Youth Services Enrollment Packet and email the form to youthsrvcs@caagkc.org.