February Updates & Upcoming Community Events

Wichita Collective Impact (WCI) is a community-driven, evidence-based initiative focused on improving educational outcomes and economic prosperity in Wichita’s 67214 ZIP code. Through programming, curriculum development, and capacity-building efforts, WCI aims to increase kindergarten readiness and third-grade reading proficiency.

WCI Partnership Update

Wichita Collective Impact has grown to 43 committed partner organizations.

We are also excited to announce our newest partnerships with Kids World Childcare Learning Center, Phillips Fundamental Learning Center, Wichita Children's Home's Kidzcope and Sedgwick County Healthy Babies. Their expertise and commitment to community health and early learning will further strengthen our collective efforts in 2026.

If you or your organization would like to learn more about becoming a Wichita Collective Impact partner, please fill this form.

WCI Committees Strengthen Alignment

Wichita Collective Impact partners continue to come together with a shared purpose: improving kindergarten readiness, boosting 3rd‑grade reading, and deepening family and community engagement across our city.

Recent committee gatherings brought together organizations from across Wichita to explore opportunities for stronger alignment. Partners examined the resources, processes, and behaviors that can help us collaborate more effectively on behalf of children and families.

Across the Third Grade Reading, Family & Community Engagement, and Kindergarten Readiness committees, members have been sharing ideas, identifying opportunities, and developing strategies to better support one another, our schools, and Wichita families. This progress is possible because of the commitment and collaboration of our partners.

To every organization, educator, service provider, and community leader who continues to show up—thank you. Your dedication fuels this movement. Together, we are building a more coordinated and impactful literacy ecosystem for Wichita’s kids.

Upcoming Community Events

Summer Program Resource Fair: Alford Branch Library

Plan your best summer yet! Explore upcoming camps and activities for kids, as well as enjoy fun games, prizes, and food. Connect with local programs all in one place for easy family planning this summer.

Wichita organizations! If you offer summer programs, youth jobs, volunteer opportunities, or family resources, please join us at the Summer Program Resource Fair at Wichita Public Library to connect directly with families actively searching for summer opportunities.

Event Dates:

Saturday, March 21 | 10 AM–1 PM — Alford Branch Library (3447 S Meridian Ave, Wichita, KS 67217)

🚲 Open Streets ICT is Back this Spring! ✨

Two FREE, car-free events are transforming Wichita streets into spaces for movement, art, food, and community fun—and we want YOU involved!

📍 WSU & Shocker Neighborhood - Sunday, April 19 | 12–4 PM 📏 17th St. from Oliver to Volutsia

📍 Nomar Neighborhood - Sunday, May 3 | 12–4 PM 📏 21st St. from NoMar Market to Woodland Park

We’re calling for vendors and volunteers to help bring these vibrant neighborhoods to life. Host an activity, sell products, promote your organizations summer opportunities, support the route, or lend a hand—every role makes a difference.

Community Elementary ELA Pilot Curriculum Night!

Parents, students, and community members are invited to preview new elementary language arts curriculum options and learn more about how these programs support students in learning to read.

You’ll have the opportunity to review materials from Benchmark Advance by Benchmark Education and Emerge! from McGraw Hill, and connect with curriculum coaches who will be available to answer your questions.

4:30 – 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25

Alvin Morris Administrative Center, 903 S. Edgemoor.

Park in the south parking lot.

TOP Early Learning Center Open House!

Explore this opportunity at TOP Early Learning Center Open House to learn more about affordable & high quality childcare or preschool!

Thursday, March 26th, 2026 6:00pm-7:30pm

Share this information with your friends and family!

Tired of summer programs that feel like glorified babysitting?

Learning Lab Wichita is offering 4 immersive, hands-on summer learning experiences your kids will actually be excited about.

Music & global culture

Culinary creativity + science

Influencer & digital storytelling

Engineering & future city building

Each week blends classroom exploration with real-world field trips — guided by experienced Learning Captains in small groups (limited to 15 students per age group).

Spots are limited. Registration closes May 22.

Give your child a summer that builds confidence, creativity and real-world skills.

Click to see this year’s themes and save a spot.

Elevating Literacy: Connecting Communities For Last Impact

Join The Reading League Kansas in Wichita on March 30th for a full day of learning and connection. You'll leave feeling inspired and equipped with instructional routines you can implement immediately.

To learn more about our conference and to register, visit https://bit.ly/ElevatingLiteracyConf26

We sell out early every year - don't delay!

2026 Spring Community Baby Shower & Resource Fair

You and your family are invited to our 2026 Spring Community Baby Shower & Resource Fair! This free, family-friendly event is one of our favorites each year and is designed especially for expecting parents and families with young children. .

Who: Sedgwick County community members, families, expecting parents, and parents/guardians with young children

What: 2026 Spring Baby Shower & Resource Fair hosted by the Sedgwick County Health Department’s Healthy Babies Program in partnership with KIDS Safe Sleep

When: Saturday, April 11, 2026

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Where: Sedgwick County Health Department – East 9th Clinic

1900 E. 9th St. N.

Wichita, KS 67214

Attend a safe sleep demonstration and receive a portable crib at no cost.*

*Limit one portable crib per household, while supplies last.

Important: To receive a no-cost portable crib, participants must sign up for a safe sleep demonstration at the event (first come, first served) and attend the demonstration in person.

This is a come-and-go event; however, to receive a portable crib at no cost, participants must:

Complete a pre-survey

Attend a safe sleep demonstration

Complete a post-survey

Camp GWC: Early Childhood Conference

This is your reminder to get signed up for Camp GWC 2026!📣Our Annual Early Childhood Conference will be taking place on April 11th at MorningStar Community Church, 8 AM–4 PM.

Admission is $90 with an ECC membership, and $110 without.

Volunteers (“Room Angels”) get 50% off admission!

‼️Members and anyone interested in volunteering will need to call our office at 316.682.1853 and speak to an ECC team member to receive their individualized discount codes to apply at checkout‼️

The 2026 SUN Bucks Application is Open!

SUN Bucks provides a one-time $120 benefit per eligible child to help families pay for groceries during the summer months.

Some children are automatically enrolled in SUN Bucks. Those families should receive a letter soon confirming their enrollment.

If you do not receive an enrollment letter in the next few weeks and believe your child may be eligible based on the guidelines, you will need to apply. Applications for summer 2026 must be received by 5 p.m. on Aug. 31, 2026.

SUN Bucks 2026 benefits should be distributed this summer. We’ll share updates about the distribution timeline as details become available.

Learn more: SUNBucks.dcf.ks.gov.