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 33 committed partners.

We are also excited to announce our newest partnerships with GraceMed Health Clinic, Healthy Blue Kansas and Historical Black Children's Academy. 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.

Family Literacy Night: Washington

WCI gathered local families at Washington Accelerated Learning Elementary School for Family Literacy Night, a joyful evening focused on building reading habits at home. Families explored simple, effective strategies to support literacy beyond the classroom, while enjoying free books, door prizes, and a shared meal - making learning both practical and accessible.

The event was made possible through strong community partnership. Wichita Collective Impact collaborated with Wichita Public Schools and WSU CLEAR, with dinner generously provided by Eastminster Church. Volunteers from the Wichita Public Library, WSU NPHC, and the Urban League of Kansas brought energy, care, and connection to every part of the evening.



Family Literacy Night is a powerful example of collective impact in action: schools, nonprofits, faith partners, and community organizations working together to support families and strengthen literacy in the 67214 community and beyond.

Upcoming Community Events

Free Developmental Screenings. Feb 6 & Feb 26. If you have questions or concerns on whether your child is reaching their development milestones, save these upcoming dates in February.

Screen for Success is a way of getting information on the growth and development of your child. Monthly screenings by trained early childhood professionals check speech, language, vision, hearing, and behavior.

Screen for Success is a partnership between Wichita Public Schools & Rainbows United, Inc. in cooperation with Connecting Point.

Call (316) 267-3535 to schedule.

Learn more >> https://rainbowsunited.org/services/connecting-point/

Rainbows Academy is now enrolling Preschool and Pre-K. Application and enrollment fees waived through Feb 17.

We know choosing the right preschool is a big decision. Join us to tour our classrooms, meet our teachers, and see how our inclusive, play-based curriculum supports children of all abilities while sparking curiosity, building confidence, and nurturing friendships that help them thrive in kindergarten and beyond.

Experience Rainbows Academy for yourself at our Open House on Tuesday, Feb 17, from 4–7pm at Rainbows Academy 3223 North Oliver Avenue, Wichita (Just off K-96 at Oliver) Bring your kids! We’ll have snacks, fun photo ops, and an interactive scavenger hunt designed just for little learners.

Enroll by Feb 17 and receive: Waived Application Fee, Waived Enrollment Fee & 10% off your first month’s tuition. Submit your application at the Open House or online to qualify. Spots are limited.

Questions?

Call us (316) 267-5437

Learn more and enroll online

The 2026 Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) application period is open! If eligible, LIEAP could help you pay a portion of your primary home heating costs during the winter season with a one-time per year benefit paid directly to your energy provider.

Applications must be received by DCF by 5 p.m. on March 31, 2026.

Read the full release

Need help with your LIEAP application?

Visit LIEAP.dcf.ks.gov to find an application event near you.

Join Go Shockers, United Way of the Plains and Champions for Literacy at the Wichita State Men's Basketball

#Fight4Literacy game on Feb. 11th, and help us raise funds to help kids in Wichita Public Schools learn to read. Just $10 provides 2 books for a student to help combat summer learning loss.

Learn more and donate today: championsforlit.org/wichita

Buckner Elementary Family Literacy Night

We’re proud to support a partnership between Buckner Performing Arts Magnet Elementary School and WSU CLEAR to host Family Literacy Night: Buckner Elementary on March 12th from 6–8pm at Buckner Elementary (3530 E 27th St N, Wichita, KS).

This event is designed to help parents and caregivers build practical strategies for supporting reading at home. Sessions will cover storybook reading, comprehension, letters and sounds, and behavior regulation.

Families can enjoy free books, resource booths, activities for school-aged children and dinner. Registration closes March 1st.

Use the link to sign up!

Open Streets ICT – WSU & Shocker Neighborhood is Back!

Join us Sunday, April 19, from 12–4 PM as nearly two miles of 17th Street (Oliver to Volutsia) transform into a vibrant, car-free space for movement, connection, and community fun. With the streets closed to traffic, you’re invited to walk, bike, run, skate, dance, and explore while embracing a healthy, active lifestyle alongside your neighbors

What you’ll find along the route:

• Local food trucks serving up delicious eats

• Live music and performances

• Shops, vendors, and community organizations

• Plenty of open space to move, play, and connect

Get Involved!

Local vendor? Want to showcase your business?

Looking to volunteer and help bring this event to life?

There are plenty of ways to be part of the action and make an impact in your community.

Let’s activate the streets and celebrate community—together!

https://www.wichita.gov/.../Open-Streets-ICT---WSU...

Volunteer Opportunities

Bright Lights is a free after‑school enrichment program for League 42 students, focused on strengthening math and literacy skills.

Location:

Leslie Rudd Learning Center, 1212 E 17th St N, Wichita, KS 67214

Schedule:

Mondays, 4:30–5:45pm

Program End Date:

Week of May 4, 2026

Who This Opportunity Is For:

• Education majors seeking hands‑on classroom or tutoring experience

• Individuals needing volunteer or community service hours

• Retired educators who want to stay active and support young learners

• Community members passionate about literacy and youth in the 67214 area

For More Information Contact:

Meleny Ewers" mewers@league42.net

Spaght Elementary Reading Buddies

Reading buddies are not required to attend every day. Some partners come once a week, once a month, or biweekly, depending on their availability.

Kindergarten: 

• 1:45–2:15 (Monday–Friday)

1st Grade:

• 3:40–4:00 (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday)
• 2:10–2:30 (Wednesday)

3rd Grade: 

• 1:10–1:55 (Monday–Friday)

4th & 5th Grade: 

• 12:55–1:15 (Monday–Friday)

For More Information Contact:

Arayla Ross (Spaght)

aross1@usd259.net

Learn More about Kindergarten Readiness:

Interested in learning more about Kindergarten Readiness?

Contact Shannon to discover kindergarten readiness training opportunities for your organization and upcoming programming for families

Shannon Benoit

Program Director | Kindergarten Readiness

Community Development Branch

Greater Wichita YMCA

shannon.benoit@ymcawichita.org

(316) 219-9622

Follow WCI:

Network & Partnership Questions? Contact Brad.

Brad Richards | Community Program Specialist

Public Policy & Management Center

Wichita State University

bradley.richards@wichita.edu

(316) 708-4691

Programming Questions? Contact Tyrone.

Tyrone Baker | Urban Outreach

Community Development Branch Director

Greater Wichita YMCA

Tyrone.Baker@ymcawichita.org

(316) 219-9622

Data & Evaluation Questions? Contact Jamie.

Jamie Lee Fuller, M.A| Research Project Manager

Public Policy and Management Center

Wichita State University

jamie.fuller@wichita.edu

(o) 316-978-6529 (c) (316) 244-8538