The Kansas City region needs a pathway for individuals with disabilities to enter and advance in careers in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields. The KC-BANCS project is forging that path by supporting the educational goals of these individuals, including veterans, who have the talent and career drive but often lack the necessary credentials for employment in STEM.
GOAL: “To increase the participation and success of people with disabilities within the Kansas City region
in STEM education pathways. The result will be an increase in students who complete associate and
undergraduate degrees and ultimately enter the STEM workforce.”
Because existing gaps often create barriers for this population, a variety of new, focused services and supports are available to veterans and students with disabilities. Through KC-BANCS, students have access to peer support, academic advising, career exploration, and internships. Ultimately, STEM businesses in the region will benefit from increased numbers of academically prepared workers, and the region will benefit from having a path for individuals with disabilities to achieve their STEM related career goals.
Programming
- Academic and career development of individuals with disabilities (veterans, high school students, and traditional college students). This includes encouragement for individuals from culturally, linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse communities.
- Information, tools and training for teaching diverse learners made available to faculty at the high school and college levels.
- Supports for faculty to help students navigate STEM degrees and career paths.
- Instruction for college faculty teaching in STEM fields about universal design and how to apply it to their courses, and strategies for teaching veterans, as well as assistance with providing opportunities for applied learning.
The KC-BANCS Team
 Dr. Ronda Jenson, Principal Investigator
Director of Research
UMKC Institute for Human Development
816.235.6335
jensonr@umkc.edu
 Kevin Truman, Co-Principal Investigator
Dean, UMKC School of Computing and Engineering
816.235.2399
SCE@umkc.edu
 Alexis Petri, Co-Principal Investigator and Project Director
Research Associate
UMKC Institute for Human Development
816.235.5872
petria@umkc.edu
 Melissa Johnson-Tribout, KC-BANCS Project Coordinator and Veterans in STEM Transition Navigator
UMKC Institute for Human Development
johnsonmeli@umkc.edu
816.235.1765
 Kate Duffy, STEM Scholar Transition Navigator
UMKC Institute for Human Development
816.235.6383
duffymp@umkc.edu
 Jodi Arnold, Project Assistant
UMKC Institute for Human Development
816.235.5450
arnoldjd@umkc.edu
 Melissa Messina, Webmaster
Research Associate
UMKC Institute for Human Development
816.235.1760
messinam@umkc.edu
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