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A Panasonic employee works with children on a robotics project as part of the Junior Achievement program.

Investing in STEM Education Across the Kansas City Region

Discover how the Panasonic Foundation is supporting hands-on learning programs that prepare students for careers in innovation and technology.

When it comes to building the future, opportunity starts early, and hands‑on learning can open doors to lifelong careers. That’s why we’re proud to announce new grant funding for organizations across the Kansas City region that are helping students explore STEM in meaningful, real‑world ways.

These targeted investments support programs that spark curiosity, build confidence, and help prepare students across Kansas and Missouri for future careers in innovation, technology, and advanced manufacturing.

“At the Panasonic Foundation, we believe preparing the next generation of innovators starts by meeting students where they are and giving them meaningful, real‑world opportunities to explore STEM,” said Alejandra Ceja, Executive Director of the Panasonic Foundation. “By investing in trusted community partners like Junior Achievement and KC STEM Alliance, we’re expanding access to hands‑on learning experiences that build confidence, spark curiosity, and connect classroom learning to future careers.”

Supporting Hands‑On Learning with Junior Achievement

Panasonic Foundation Employees present an oversized check for $89,000 to Junior Achievement representatives

The Panasonic Foundation has awarded $32,500 to Junior Achievement in Kansas City, Kansas, representing the first year of a three‑year, $89,000 grant. The funding will support youth STEM education and help reach more than 8,500 students across the Kansas City area.

A key focus of this support is JA BizTown, where students bring classroom lessons to life by running a simulated city and managing real‑world businesses. With the Foundation’s support, Junior Achievement is creating a STEM‑focused storefront within BizTown, complete with programmable robots that allow students to explore coding, automation, and engineering concepts in a fun, age‑appropriate way.

“Panasonic’s partnership brings extraordinary depth to Junior Achievement BizTown presented by CommunityAmerica Credit Union. Their commitment to innovation and advanced manufacturing helps our students see what is possible in their own futures,” shared Megan Sturges, President and CEO of Junior Achievement of Greater Kansas City. This investment ensures young people in our region gain hands-on experiences that mirror the careers shaping our economy today and, in the decades, ahead.”

By blending robotics and technology into experiential learning, students gain exposure to practical STEM applications while building teamwork, problem‑solving, and critical‑thinking skills — all essential for future success.

Advancing STEM Pathways with KC STEM Alliance

Representatives from the Panasonic Foundation and KC STEM Alliance pose with an oversized check for $55,000

The Panasonic Foundation has also awarded $55,000 to KC STEM Alliance to support FIRST Robotics programs and help engage approximately 3,100 students across Kansas and Missouri.

KC STEM Alliance plays a vital role in connecting schools, educators, employers, and community partners to create equitable STEM pathways for students throughout the region. A cornerstone of its work is supporting FIRST LEGO League, FIRST Tech Challenge, and FIRST Robotics Competition — programs that give students hands‑on opportunities to design, build, and program robots while learning how to collaborate, think critically, and solve complex problems.

“This work would not be possible without the support of our amazing sponsors and volunteers,” said Chelsea Barbercheck, Ph.D., Executive Director of KC STEM Alliance. “In a short time, Panasonic has embraced both roles within the Kansas City region, and we are excited to continue building this partnership together.”

By aligning classroom learning with workforce needs and regional economic priorities, KC STEM Alliance is helping build a strong, sustainable talent pipeline that fuels innovation across the Kansas City region.

Building the Future Together

Through these investments, the Panasonic Foundation is proud to support organizations that are expanding access to STEM education, strengthening communities, and helping prepare students to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology‑driven world.

Together with our partners, we’re helping students not only imagine what’s possible — but build it.