Here, you will find various opportunities that are available to you within our community. Some of these include Poetry out Loud, the Congressional Art Competition, Kansas City National Portfolio Day, free CommunityAmerica Credit Union Financial Education, and other performing arts opportunities as they are released.

Career/Finance

CommunityAmerica Financial Education

This is a free service provided by CommunityAmerica  to provide College and Career Planning. Online they have resources such as downloadable checklists that are easy to use, FAFSA help, and easy online appointment scheduling. To schedule an appointment you may also directly contact Karly Scholl at kscholl@cacu.com or 913-905-8185.

Click here to see all the resources available to you for College and Career Planning.

KC Scholars Program

“KC Scholars was incubated at the Kauffman Foundation to continue its legacy of support for postsecondary attainment. KC Scholars was intentionally and purposefully designed as a community asset. Over 70 members of the region worked together for over a year to plan KC Scholars and it is now an independent 501(c)(3), situated in the community, with a community-based board of directors. KC Scholars is creating life-changing opportunity for thousands of individuals and is positively transforming
the region’s workforce and economy. “

Click here for more information about this program


Community Opportunities

Poetry Out Loud

Poetry Out Loud encourages students to learn about great poetry through memorization and recitation. This program helps students master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about literary history and contemporary life.

Since 2005, Poetry Out Loud has grown to reach more than 3.6 million students and 55,000 teachers from 14,000 schools in every state, Washington, DC, the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.

Click here to find out more about Poetry Out Loud.

Kemper Teen Arts Council

Be a part of a curated group of students from ages 14-17 who share a passion for the arts! This group of teen leaders helps the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art plan and organize their teen programming, participate in workshops, train to be a Teen Docent, and more!

Click here to find out more about how to apply!

Follow Nelson Atkins Teens on Facebook

Learn about all the programs and events that connect teens with the collection of The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art!

Click here to find out more about the Nelson Atkins Teen programs!

KC SuperStar 2023

KC SuperStar provides over $22,000 in scholarships to the 10 finalists who have made it through our high school, “American Idol” like competition. The top 10 train with local music professionals and perform for our donors and members in the Final show.

Click here to learn more about this scholarship opportunity!


Volunteer Opportunities

Mattie Rhodes Center

“Mattie Rhodes Center bridges cultures and communities through arts, mental health, and social services. [They] empower individuals and families through culturally competent, bilingual services in a respectful and compassionate environment.”

Click here to learn more about The Mattie Rhodes Center!

Imagine That!

Imagine That! is an art studio in the Crossroads of Kansas City that caters to adults with developmental disabilities. By providing tools and materials, Imagine That! helps these individuals define themselves as artists.

Click here to learn more about Imagine That!

Kansas City Young Audiences (KCYA)

“Kansas City Young Audiences arts programs have helped more than 5 million children cultivate artistic expression; unleashing ideas, creativity, and individual problem-solving skills.” KCYA provides programs in creative writing, dance, theatre, visual art as well as music and serves the greater Kansas City area, Eastern Kansas and Western Missouri.

Click here to learn more about Kansas City Young Audiences!

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art

The Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art (NMOCA) has one of the top internationally acclaimed collections of emerging and established artists today. They are continually taking applications for various volunteer positions including visitor services for events and daily activities, and class assistants for youth programs.

Click here to learn more about volunteering at the Nerman Museum!

Mesner Puppet Theater

Mesner Puppet Theater is a globally known professional puppet theatre company based in Kansas City, Missouri. The company performs a local season of plays as well as tours nationally and internationally to more than 30,000 audiences annually. Their goal is to capture children’s imagination and to educate and enhance communities through their innovative storytelling.

Click here to learn more about volunteering with Mesner Puppet Theater!

Toy and Miniature Museum

“The National Museum of Toys and Miniatures educates, inspires, and delights adults and children through the museum’s collection and preservation of toys and miniatures.” Help the museum engage visitors at activity tables in the galleries or deliver tours and talks to guests! All volunteers must at least be 16 years of age.

Click here to learn more about volunteering with the Toy and Miniature Museum!

American Jazz Museum

“As the only museum in the world solely focused on the preservation, exhibition and advancement of jazz music, the American Jazz Museum is dedicated to public service and collaborative efforts to expand the influence, awareness and appreciation of jazz among the widest demographic of people across the Kansas City region, as well as among those based in various locations worldwide.”

Click here to learn more about volunteering with the American Jazz Museum!

Wonderscope

“Wonderscope provides fun, dynamic exhibits and programs that integrate the arts, sciences and literature for children eight years of age and younger, their parents and educators from across the Kansas City area.”

Click here to learn more about volunteering at Wonderscope!

Coterie Theater

The Coterie is a non-profit organization with the mission of providing professional classic and contemporary theatre which challenges audience and artist and provides educational, dramatic outreach programs in the community. By volunteering or interning at the Coterie, you will have the opportunity to get a firsthand look at professional theatre, be a part of Kansas City’s leading arts education programs and productions.

Click here to learn more about volunteering at the Coterie!


National Competitions & Scholarships

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards

The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards were founded in 1923 and, for nearly a century, have inspired bold ideas in creative teens throughout the country. Explore our interactive timeline to learn more about the Scholastic Awards, our alumni, and our jurors. 

Click here for more details on how to enter!

Third Congressional District Art Competition

Each spring, a nation-wide high school arts competition is sponsored by the members of the U.S. House of Representatives. The Artistic Discovery Contest is an opportunity to recognize and encourage the artistic talent in the nation, as well as in Kansas’ Third Congressional District. 

Click here for more details on how to enter!

2022 National Poetry Month Poster Artwork Competition

The Academy of American Poets, originator and organizer of National Poetry Month, invites students in grades 9 through 12 to enter artwork to be considered for the National Poetry Month poster. The winning student’s artwork will be printed on 100,000+ copies of the official National Poetry Month poster, which will be distributed for free to classrooms, libraries, bookstores, community centers, families, and individuals nationwide.

Click here for more details on how to enter. The deadline to apply is November 15th, 2022.

College Here I Come” Scholarship

Graduating high school seniors planning on enrolling in community college, career training programs, or four-year colleges/universities in the Fall of 2022 are all eligible. Homeschooled students are also eligible to apply.

Click here to see if you are eligible to enter. The deadline to apply is January 31st, 2023.

Niche No Essay Scholarship

Open to all high school and college students. Simply log in or create a free account to apply.

The deadline to apply is November 30th, 2022.

“Commencing at Community College” Scholarship

Community college (CC) is a golden opportunity for the right student. CCs offer an affordable education to a diverse range of students in a wide range of majors. If starting your postsecondary education at a CC is right for you, we have a scholarship just for you! The “Commencing at Community College” Essay Scholarship aims to financially support CC students who are passionate about their higher education journeys and actively looking for ways to fund it.

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply is January 31st, 2023.

Sloane Stephens Doc & Glo Scholarship

To apply, please share which quality you most value in yourself, and how you believe this characteristic will help you in life.

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply is February 20th, 2023.

Learn about more scholarship here.


Mental Health Resources

#ZeroReasonsWhy Resource Page

Johnson County Suicide Prevention Coalition Resources Page

Adult & Youth Behavioral Health Care Maps


Performing Arts Resources

Preparing For College

Preparing to be a Music Major

Preparing for a Live Audition

Performing Arts Careers

Visual Arts Resources

K-State Creative Arts Training Studio

Preparing Your Artist Portfolio

How to Make an Artist Website

Visual Arts Careers

What to Expect in College Art Classes

Visual Arts Resources

How to Edit Photos for Portfolio Submission

Where to Get Photographs Printed:

The Lazarus Group- Kansas City, MO

Process One- Overland Park, KS

Giclee Today- Online

mpix- Online

Literary Arts Resources

Preparing For College Writing

Creative Writing Prompts

Literary Arts Careers