Today on This Educational Life, we’re tuning in from Kansas City—a vibrant community known for its world‑class barbecue, jazzy cool music, and innovative spirit. Sitting on both sides of the Kansas & Missouri state line, Kansas City’s urban school districts are facing the realities of a changing workforce and the rapid evolution of skills employers need. As today’s episode reveals, preparing young people for a strong future requires collaboration, vision, and a commitment to making sure opportunity is within reach for every student.

Host Mariah Presley is joined by Susan Wally, founder and CEO of PREP-KC, and Cecil Criswell, Director of Teaching and Learning at PREP-KC. Together, they share how PREP-KC works across six urban districts to bring business and industry into high schools, helping students understand what they’re good at, what kind of jobs they’d like to have, and the education it will take to get there. Their work centers on connecting students with experiences that build momentum and illuminate real possibilities in a changing economy.

Learn how PREP-KC’s focus on “diploma plus” market value assets is opening doors for students, creating relevance in the school day, and supporting a stronger, more competitive regional workforce. The conversation highlights how practical, repeatable steps taken over time can transform systems and elevate opportunities for all young people.

Listen to discover:

• How PREP-KC’s “diploma plus market value asset” opportunities shape students’ futures.
• Why collaboration between schools, industry, and community strengthens workforce development.
• What Kansas City’s example shows about building equitable pathways to prosperous careers.

If today’s discussion inspired you or made you think of someone forging partnerships in their own community, let us know! Drop us an email at ThisEducationalLife@trane.com, leave a review on Apple, or a comment on Spotify or Youtube.

Let’s keep reimagining education together—so every student is truly future-proof.