our mission

Building long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth, equipping them to thrive and contribute to their community.

our history

1982

Colorado UpLift

Colorado UpLift is the original Elevate affiliate. Staff members began providing leadership and character instruction in the public school system for students from 4th grade through college. Along with the in-school program, Colorado UpLift regularly mentored students after school and throughout the summer, improving the odds for students to emerge as thriving young adults.

2008

National Expansion

Based on interest from other cities, new affiliates launched beginning with Elevate Orlando in 2008, Elevate Phoenix in 2009 and Elevate New York in 2010. Nationally the name switched from UpLift to Elevate.

2017

Elevate USA Contacts KC

Elevate USA staff hosted several informal meetings throughout Kansas City, looking for key stakeholders.

2019

Elevate Metro KC Launches

Elevate Metro KC becomes the 10th Elevate affiliate in the country. Elevate classes and mentoring launch at Southeast High and Banneker Elementary Schools.

2020

COVID-19

On site classes suspended throughout the Kansas City Public School District to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Teacher/Mentors develop new ways to teach, connect, inspire, and encourage with social distancing rules in place.

2022

School Transition

Due to interest from Center School District and low enrollment at Southeast HS, Elevate programming moved to Center School District. Mentoring opportunities will continue to be offered to Southeast HS Elevate students.

our history

1982

Colorado UpLift

Colorado UpLift is the original Elevate affiliate. Staff members began providing leadership and character instruction in the public school system for students from 4th grade through college. Along with the in-school program, Colorado UpLift regularly mentored students after school and throughout the summer, improving the odds for students to emerge as thriving young adults.

2008

National Expansion

Based on interest from other cities, new affiliates launched beginning with Elevate Orlando in 2008, Elevate Phoenix in 2009 and Elevate New York in 2010. Nationally the name switched from UpLift to Elevate.

2017

Elevate USA Contacts KC

Elevate USA staff hosted several informal meetings throughout Kansas City, looking for key stakeholders.

2019

Elevate Metro KC Launches

Elevate Metro KC becomes the 11th Elevate affiliate in the country. Elevate classes and mentoring launch at Southeast High and Banneker Elementary Schools.

2020

COVID-19

On site classes suspended throughout the Kansas City Public School District to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The Teacher/Mentors develop new ways to teach, connect, inspire, and encourage with social distancing rules in place.

2022

School Transition

Due to interest from Center School District and low enrollment at Southeast HS, Elevate programming moved to Center School District. Mentoring opportunities will continue to be offered to Southeast HS Elevate students.

staff

Chris Jehle

Chris Jehle
Executive Director

Tiffany Green

Tiffany Green
Site Director

Roy Manning

Andrea Smith
Teacher/Mentor

Sara Stauffer

Kia Buckner
Teacher/Mentor

Sara Stauffer

Sara Stauffer
Administrative Coordinator

Sara Stauffer

Sara Hinckley
Fund Development Coordinator

Sara Stauffer

Crystal Bahr
Director of Development

Board of Directors

David Larrabee
Chair/Treasurer
Leonard Davis
David Shewmaker
Rob Merrill
Vice Chair
Chris Jehle
Jackie O’Brien
Donna Crosswhite
Secretary
Carrie Robson
Hank Hershey
 
David Stubblefield

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